FROM    THE    LIBRARY    OF 


REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 


BEQUEATHED    BY    HIM    TO 
THE   LIBRARY   OF 


PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 

I 


^ 


jfrrOFPIHifi; 


ROCK    OF 


FEB  "7  1933 


ES;  ^ 


<£• 


ORIGINAL    AND    SELECTED 


POEMS 


•1/ 


•Rv  R^v.  S.  F.  Smith,  D.  P., 

Author  of  the  Hymn  "  America,"  etc. 


BOSTON: 

D.  LOTHROP  &  CO.,  38  AND  40  CORNHILL. 
DOVER,  N.  H.,  G.  T.  DAY  &  CO. 


■* 


Eniorcd  according  to  Act  of  CongreM,  in  the  >ear  1870, 

Br    D.    Lothrop    &    Co., 

In  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the   District  of 
Massachusetts. 


h * 


It  has  been  the  design  of  the  Editor  to  confine  the 
selections  in  this  little  work  to  the  two  ideas,  God 
a  Refuge,  and  the  soul,  in  its  dependency,  finding 
support  in  Him.  May  the  volume  be  a  comfort  to 
the  people  of  God,  and  lead  the  weary  and  heavy- 
laden  to  the  All-sufficient  Refuge. 


4 


* 


The  Eternal  God  is  thy  refuge,  and  underneath  are  the  everlasting  arms.' 

Dklt.  xxx'ui. 


^ 


ROOK    OF    AGES 


Rock  of  Ages. 


ROCK  of  ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee ; 
Let  the  water  and  the  blood, 
From  Thy  wounded  side  which  flowed, 
Be  of  sin  the  double  cure ; 
Cleanse  me  from  its  guilt  and  power. 

Not  the  labor  of  my  hands 
Can  fulfil  Thy  law's  demands ; 
Could  my  zeal  no  respite  know, 
Could  my  tears  for  ever  flow. 
All  for  sin  could  not  atone ; 
Thou  must  save,  and  Thou  alone. 

Nothing  in  my  hand  I  bring. 
Simply  to  Thy  Cross  I  cling ; 


ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Naked,  come  to  Thee  for  dress ; 
Helpless,  look  to  Thee  for  grace ; 
Foul,  I  to  Thy  fountain  fly; 
Wash  me,  Saviour,  or  I  die ! 

While  I  draw  this  fleeting  breath, 
When  my  eyelids  close  in  death, 
When  I  soar  to  worlds  unknown, 
See  Thee  on  Thy  judgment  throne  :  — 
Rock  of  ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee. 

A.  M.  TorLAPT. 


"Rock  of  Ages."  —  In  Latin. 


TESTIS  pro  me. perforates, 
*J   Condar  Intra  tuum  latus; 
Tu  per  lymph  am  profluentem, 
Tu  per  sanguinem  tepentem, 
In  peccata  mi  rcdunda, 
Tolle  culpam,  sordes  munda. 


Coram  te  nee  Justus  forem, 
Quamvis  tota  vi  laborem, 


*- 


-► 


THE  ALL-SUFFICIENT  REFUOE. 

Nee  si  flde  nunquam  cesso, 
Fletu  stillans  inclefesso ; 
Tibi  soli  tan  turn  munus, 
Salva  me,  Salvator  unus, 

in. 
Nil  in  manu  mecum  fero, 
Sed  me  versus  crucem  gero, 
Vestiraenta,  nudus,  oro, 
Opem,  debilis,  imploro; 
Fontem  Christi  quaer'  immundus, 
Nisi  laves,  moribundus. 


Dum  hos  artus  vita  regit, 

Quando  nox  sepulchro  tegit, 

Mortuos  cum  stare  jubes, 

Sedens,  Judex,  inter  nubes, 

Jesus  pro  me  perforatus, 

Condar  intra  tuum  latus. 

Translated  by  the  Hon.  "W.  E.  Gladstone,  Chancel- 
lor of  the  British  Exchequer. 


The  All-Sufficient  Refuge. 

OROCK  OF  AGES,  when  the  storm 
Of  trial  drives  across  my  path, 
And  vainly  struggles  human  power 
To  stand  against  its  sweeping  wrath,  — 


b 


>:<■ 


HOCK  OF  AGES. 

Then  shield  me  by  Thy  towering  head, 
Then  in  Thy  clefts,  0  let  me  hide; 

No  ill  can  reach  the  soul  that  leans, 
Trusting,  on  Christ  the  Crucified. 

O  Rock  of  ages,  when  my  tears 

In  streams  of  contrite  anguish  flow, 
And,  penitent,  my  lips  confess 

How  just  the  hand  that  strikes  the  blow, 
Then  to  Thy  massive,  shelving  cliffs, 

Then  to  Thy  shadow  let  me  flee ; 
The  dying  Christ  sustained  the  shock, 

And,  Lord,  the  soul  is  safe  in  Thee. 

O  Rock  of  ages,  when  my  heart, 

Struck  by  some  sore  bereavement,  bleeds, 
And  earthly  props  and  comforters 

Have  proved  themselves  but  broken  reeds, 
Then  to  Thy  shelter  let  me  press, 

Which  stands  from  age  to  age  the  same; 
Christ  changes  not,  —  the  stricken  soul 

Finds  comfort  in  His  healing  Name. 

O  Rock  of  ages,  if  the  cross 

Of  shame  for  Christ's  dear  name  I  bear, 
Or  suffer  loss  because  I  choose 

His  seal  upon  my  brow  to  wear, 


*$ 


GOD  THE  REFUGE  OF  BIS  PEOPLE. 

Then  calm  and  fearless  let  my  soul 

Safe  in  Thy  great  protection  rest ; 
Christ  is  a  refuge,  —  troubled  hearts 

Find  shelter  in  the  Saviour's  breast. 

0  Rock  of  ages,  when  in  death 

My  strength  grows  weak,  my  spirits  fail, 
And  earthly  helpers  leave  my  feet 

To  tread  alone  the  solemn  vale, 
Then  from  each  cliff,  and  slope,  and  crag, 

Let  light,  from  heaven  reflected,  shine  ; 
Christ  is  earth's  sun,  and  Christ  alone 

Can  gild  the  tomb  with  rays  divine. 

How  clings  the  seaman,  when  his  barque 

Is  shattered  by  the  raging  wave, 
To  fragments  of  the  broken  wreck, 

And  vainly  hopes  his  life  to  save ; 
But  in  all  times  of  risk  or  need 

My  spirit  to  Thy  shade  shall  flee, 
Secure,  in  life  or  death,  to  find, 

O  Rock  of  ages,  all  in  Thee. 

Rev.  S.  F.  Smith. 


God  the  Refuge  of  His  People. 

CI  OD  is  the  refuge  of  his  saints, 
J  When  storms  of  sharp  distress  invade ; 
Ere  we  can  offer  our  complaints, 
Behold  Him  present  with  His  aid. 


10  nOCK  OF  AGES. 

Loud  may  the  troubled  ocean  roar, 

In  sacred  peace  our  souls  abide ; 
While  every  nation,  every  shore, 

Trembles,  and  dreads  the  swelling  tide. 

There  is  a  stream  whose  gentle  flow 

Supplies  the  city  of  our  God ; 
Life,  love,  and  joy,  still  gliding  through, 

And  watering  our  divine  abode. 

That  sacred  stream,  Thine  holy  word, 
Supports  our  faith,  our  fear  controls; 

Sweet  peace  Thy  promise*  afford, 

And  give  new  strength  to  fainting  souls. 

Zion  enjoys  her  Monarch's  love, 
Secure  against  a  threatening  hour; 

Nor  can  her  firm  foundation  move, 
Built  on  His  truth,  and  armed  with  power. 

I.  Watts. 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock. 

THE  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Stay,  pilgrim,  stay ! 
Night  treads  upon  the  heels  of  day ; 
There  is  no  other  resting-place  this  way. 
The  Rock  is  near, 
The  well  is  clear — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 


-*£* 


THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK.  1 1 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
The  desert  wide 
Lies  round  thee  like  a  trackless  tide, 
In  waves  of  sand  forlornly  multiplied* 
The  sun  is  gone, 
Thou  art  alone  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock f 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
All  come  alone ; 
All,  ever  since  the  sun  hath  shone, 
Who  traveled  by  this  road  have  come  alone. 
Be  of  good  cheer  — 
A  home  is  here  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Night  veils  the  land ; 
How  the  palms  whisper  as  they  stand! 
How  the  well  tinkles  faintly  through  the  sand ! 
Cool  water  take 
Thy  thirst  to  slake  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock J 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Abide!  abide! 
This  Rock  moves  ever  at  thy  side, 
Pausing  to  welcome  thee  at  eventide. 
Ages  are  laid 
Beneath  its  shade  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 


* 


12  HOCK  OF  AGES. 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Always  at  hand, 
Unseen  it  cools  the  noon-tide  land, 
And  quells  the  lire  that  flickers  in  the  sand. 
It  comes  in  sight 
Only  at  Bight  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
'Mid  skies  storm-riven 
It  gathers  shadows  out  of  heaven, 
And  holds  them  o'er  us  all  night  cool  and  even. 
Through  the  charmed  air 
Dew  falls  not  there  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
To  angels'  eyes 
This  Rock  its  shadow  multiplies, 
And  at  this  hour  in  countless  places  lies. 
Oue  Rock,  one  shade, 
O'er  thousands  laid  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
To  weary  feet, 
That  have  been  diligent  and  fleet, 
The  sleep  is  deeper  and  the  shade  more  sweet. 
O  weary,  rest ! 
Thou  art  sore  pressed  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  1 


THE  SHADOW  OF  A   QBEAT  ROCK.  13 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Thy  bed  is  made ; 
Crowds  of  tired  souls  like  thine  are  laid 
This  night  beneath  the  self-same  placid  shade. 
They  who  rest  here 
Wake  with  Heaven  near — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Pilgrim !  sleep  sound. 
In  night's  swift  hours  with  silent  bound, 
The  Rock  will  put  thee  over  leagues  of  ground, 
Gaining  more  way 
By  night  than  day  — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 

One  day  of  pain, 
Thou  scarce  wilt  hope  the  Rock  to  gain, 
Yet  there  wilt  sleep  thy  last  sleep  od  the  plain  ; 

And  only  wake 

In  Heaven's  daybreak  — 

Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

Faber. 


The  Shadow  of  a  Great  Rock  in  a'Weaky  Laxj> 

THE  pathways  of  Thy  land  are  little  changed 
Since  Thou  wast  there ; 
The  busy  world  through  other  ways  hath  ranged, 
And  left  these  bare. 


■* 


* 


1 4  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

The  rocky  path  still  climbs  the  glowing  steep 

Of  Olivet; 
Though  rains  of  two  millenniums  wear  it  deep, 

Men  tread  it  yet. 

Still  to  the  gardens  o'er  the  brook  it  leads, 

Quiet  and  low; 
Before  his  sheep  the  shepherd  on  it  treads, 

His  voice  they  know. 

The  wild  fig  throws  broad  shadows  o'er  it  still, 

As  once  o'er  Thee ; 
Peasants  go  home  at  evening  up  that  hill 

To  Bethany. 

And  as  when  gazing  Thou  didst  weep  o'er  thera, 

From  height  to  height, 
The  white  roofs  of  discrowned  Jerusalem 

Burst  on  our  sight. 

These  ways  were  strewed  with  garments  once,  and 
palm, 

Which  we  tread  thus ; 
Here  through  Thy  triumph  on  Thou  passedst  calm, 

On  to  Thy  cross. 

The  waves  have  washed  fresh  sand  upon  the  shore 

Of  Galilee; 
But.  chiselled  on  the  hillsides  evermore, 

Thy  path-  we  Bee. 


** 


-* 


FLEEING  FOR  REFUGE  TO  CHRIST.  15 

Man  has  not  changed  them  in  that  slumbering  land, 

Nor  time  effaced ; 
Where  Thy  feet  trod  to  bless  me,  still  we  stand ; 

All  can  be  traced. 

Yet  we  have  traces  of  Thy  footsteps  far 

Truer  than  these ; 
Where'er  the  poor  and  tried  and  suffering  are, 

Thy  steps  faith  sees. 

Nor  with  fond,  sad  regrets  Thy  steps  we  trace ; 

Thou  art  not  dead ! 
Our  faith  is  onward,  till  we  see  Thy  face 

And  hear  Thy  tread. 

And  now  wherever  meets  Thy  lowliest  band 

In  praise  and  prayer, 

There  is  Thy  presence,  there  Thy  Holy  Land  — 

Thou,  Thou  art  there  I 

Anon. 


Fleeing  for  Refuge  to  Christ. 

WOULD  my  soul  could  fly  for  refuge. 
As  the  dove  flies  to  her  nest, 
To  the  cross  where  Jesus  dying 
Spreads  for  me  His  arms  of  rest ; 


* 


16  t;OCK  OF  AGES. 

Where  the  great  Desire  of  nations 
Hangs  in  slow-consuming  pain, 

All  the  shame  of  sin  upon  Him 
Whom  the  worlds  cannot  contain. 

Seek,  my  soul,  His  sweet  compassion; 

Seek  it  in  His  riven  side; 
In  Thy  sacred  wounds,  O  Jesus, 

May  Thy  servant  safely  hide  : 
Let  me  rest  within  the  rampart 

That  doth  Thy  Beloved  enclose ; 
Here  to  dwell  in  peace  unceasing 

Be  the  ending  of  my  woes. 

0  my  God,  my  best  and  dearest, 

Art  Thou  suffering  for  me? 
Saviour  of  the  all-unworthy, 

Art  thou  nailed  upon  the  tree? 
For  the  robber,  gracious  Jesus, 

Thou  in  shame  art  raised  on  high; 
Freely  for  my  vile  transgressions 

Thou,  my  very  life,  dost  die. 

Jesus,  far  beyond  my  merits 

Is  the  love  Thou  hast  for  me  : 
Why  am  I  amongst  the  living 

If,  so  loved,  I  love  not  Thee? 
Blessed  in  its  mighty  power 

Be  the  love  that  conquers  all, 
Love  in  which,  like  fleeting  visions. 

Death's  fell  arrows  vainly  fall. 


T" 


* 


NEARER  TO  THE  ROCK.  17 

Me  Thy  love  at  first  created, 

Me,  when  lost,  Thy  love  redeems  : 
Shed  Thou  on  my  dull,  cold  spirit 

That  bright  love's  enkindling  beams  : 
Draw  to  Thee  my  heart's  affection, 

Make  me  glow  with  perfect  love, 
Keep  me  Thine  in  closest  union 

Never  from  Thy  side  to  rove. 


V.  8.  S.  C. 


Nearer  to  the  Eock. 

FLEEING,  O  Rock  of  ages, 
Fleeing  to  thee, 
Calmly  I  meet  the  tempests 

Of  life's  rough  sea ; 
No  billows  of  temptation 

Can  me  o'erwhelm, — 
Christ,  the  immortal  pilot, 
Controls  the  helm. 

Fiercely  the  roaring  billows 

My  barque  may  toss, 
And  sunken  reefs  may  threaten 

Danger  and  loss ; 
The  light-house  on  the  headland 

Gleams  o'er  the  sea, 
And  wind  and  wave  but  drive  me 

Nearer  to  thee. 

2 


18  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Shortly  the  day  of  peril 

And  gloomy  night 
Will  pass,  —  and  heaven  shall  redden 

With  morning  light; 
And,  safe,  the  storm-tost  wanderer 

O'er  shoal  and  sea 

Shall  find  his  footsteps  planted, 

O  Rock,  on  thee. 

8.  F.  Smith. 


Clinging  to  tiie  Promises. 

MY  prayer  to  the  promise  shall  cling  — 
I  will  not  give  heed  to  a  doubt ; 
For  I  ask  for  the  one  needful  thing, 
Which  I  cannot  be  happy  without. 

A  spirit  of  lowly  repose 

In  the  love  of  the  Lamb  that  was  slain, 
A  heart  to  be  touch'd  with  His  woes, 

And  a  care  not  to  grieve  Him  again. 

The  peace  that  my  Saviour  has  bought, 
The  cheerfulness  nothing  can  dim; 

The  love  that  can  bring  every  thought 
Into  perfect  obedience  to  Him. 

The  wisdom  His  mercy  to  own 
In  the  way  He  directs  me  to  take,  — 

To  glory  in  Jesus  alone, 
And  to  love,  and  do  good  for  His  sake. 


* 


RESTING  IN  GOD.  19 

All  this  Thou  hast  offered  to  me 
In  the  promise  whereon  I  will  rest ; 

For  faith,  O  my  Saviour,  in  Thee, 
Is  the  substance  of  all  my  request. 

Thy  word  has  commanded  my  prayer, 

Thy  Spirit  has  taught  me  to  pray, 
And  all  my  unholy  despair 

Is  ready  to  vanish  away. 

Thou  wilt  not  be  weary  of  me, 
Thy  promise  my  faith  will  sustain, 

And  soon,  very  soon  I  shall  see 
That  I  have  not  been  asking  in  vain. 

A.  L.  W. 


Resting  in  God. 

MY  God  protects,  my  fears  begone, 
What  can  the  Rock  of  Ages  move  ? 
Safe  in  thine  arms  I  lay  me  down, 
Thine  everlasting  arms  of  love. 

While  Thou  art  intimately  nigh, 
Who,  who  shall  violate  my  rest  ? 

All  powers  of  evil  I  defy, 

I  lean  upon  my  Father's  breast. 


20  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

I  rest  beneath  the  Almighty's  shade, 
My  grief's  expire,  mv  troubles  cease, 

Thou,  Lord,  ou  whom  my  soul  is  stayed, 
Wilt  keep  me  still  iu  perfect  peace. 

C.  Wesley. 


God  a  Rock. 

TT^HEN  thickly  beat  the  storms  of  life, 
1  f     And  heavy  is  the  chastening  rod, 
The  soul,  beyond  the  waves  of  strife, 
Views  the  eternal  Rock —  her  God. 


What  hope  dispels  the  spirit's  gloom, 
When  sinking  'neath  affliction's  shock? 

Faith,  through  the  vista  of  the  tomb, 
Points  to  the  everlasting  Rock. 

Is  there  a  man  who  cannot  see 
That  joy  and  grief  are  from  above? 

0,  let  him  humbly  bend  the  knee, 
And  own  his  Father's  chastening  love. 

Hope,  Grace,  and  Truth,  with  gentle  hand, 

Shall  lead  a  bleeding  Saviour's  flock, 

And  show  them,  in  the  promised  laud, 

The  shelter  of  th'  eternal  Rock. 

Avon 


WRESTLING  JACOB.  21 


Wrestling  Jacob. 

COME,  O  Thou  traveller  unknown, 
Whom  still  I  hold,  but  cannot  see ; 
My  company  before  is  gone, 

And  I  am  left  alone  with  Thee ; 
With  Thee  all  night  I  mean  to  stay, 
And  wrestle  till  the  break  of  day. 

I  need  not  tell  Thee  who  I  am, 

My  misery  and  sin  declare ; 
Thyself  hast  call'd  me  by  my  name ; 

Look  on  Thy  hands  and  read  it  there. 
But  who,  I  ask  Thee,  who  art  Thou  ? 
Tell  me  Thy  name,  and  tell  me  now. 

In  vain  Thou  strugglest  to  get  free ; 

I  never  will  unloose  my  hold ; 
Art  Thou  the  Man  that  died  for  me  ? 

The  secret  of  Thy  love  unfold ; 
Wrestling,  I  will  not  let  Thee  go, 
Till  I  Thy  name,  Thy  nature  know. 

Wilt  Thou  not  yet  to  me  reveal 
Thy  new,  unutterable  name  ? 

Tell  me,  I  still  beseech  Thee,  tell, 
To  know  it  now  resolved  I  am. 

Wrestling,  I  will  not  let  Thee  go, 

Till  I  Thy  name,  Thy  nature  know. 


ROCK  OP  AGES. 

What  though  ray  shrinking  flesh  complain, 
And  murmur  to  contend  so  long? 

I  rise  superior  to  my  pain, 

When  I  am  weak,  then  I  am  strong ! 

And  when  my  all  of  strength  shall  fail, 

I  shall  with  the  God-Man  prevail ! 

Yield  to  me  now,  for  I  am  weak, 

But  confident  in  self-despair; 
Speak  to  my  heart,  in  blessings  speak; 

Be  conquered  by  ray  instant  prayer. 
Speak,  or  Thou  never  hence  shalt  move, 

And  tell  me  if  Thy  name  is  Love. 

*Tis  Love  !  '  tis  Love !     Thou  diedst  for  me ; 

I  hear  Thy  whisper  in  my  heart ! 
The  morning  breaks,  the  shadows  flee, 

Pure,  universal  love  Thou  art. 
To  me,  to  all,  Thy  bowels  move  : 

Thy  nature  and  Thy  name  is  Love. 

My  prayer  hath  power  with  God ;  the  grace 

Unspeakable  I  now  receive  ; 
Through  faith  I  see  Thee  face  to  face ; 

I  see  Thee  face  to  face,  and  live ! 
In  vain  I  have  not  wept  and  strove : 

Thy  nature  and  Thy  name  is  Love. 


*- 


WRESTLING  JACOB.  23 

I  know  Thee,  Saviour,  who  Thou  art ; 

Jesus,  the  feeble  sinner's  friend ; 
Nor  wilt  Thou  with  the  night  depart, 

But  stay  and  love  me  to  the  end. 
Thy  mercies  never  shall  remove  : 

Thy  nature  and  Thy  name  is  Love. 

The  Sun  of  Righteousness  on  me 
Hath  risen  with  healing  on  His  wings ; 

Withered  my  nature's  strength,  from  Thee 
My  soul  its  life  and  succor  brings. 

My  help  is  all  laid  up  above  : 

Thy  nature  and  Thy  name  is  Love. 

Contented  now,  upon  my  thigh 
I  halt  till  life's  short  journey  end ; 

All  helplessness,  all  weakness,  I 
On  Thee  alone  for  strength  depend. 

Nor  have  I  power  from  Thee  to  move  : 
Thy  nature  and  Thy  name  is  Love. 

Lame  as  I  am,  I  take  the  prey ; 

Hell,  earth,  and  sin,  with  ease  o'ercome ; 
I  leap  for  joy,  pursue  my  way, 

And,  as  a  bounding  hart,  fly  home ; 
Through  all  eternity  to  prove 

Thy  nature  and  Thy  name  is  Love. 

Anon. 


24  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


Perfect  through  Suffering. 

UNDER  the  shadow  of  Thy  wing  abiding, 
Close  to  a  sympathizing  Saviour's  side, 
In  the  sure  promise  of  His  love  confiding, 
Why  should  I  shrink,  though  earthly  ills  betide  ? 

O,  if  the  soul  grow  strong  through  suffering  only, 
If  but  through  trial  it  may  reach  the  goal, 

I  will  rejoice,  although  my  way  be  lonely, 
And  all  Thy  waves  and  billows  o'er  me  roll. 

Yes,  I  will  praise  Thee,  though  my  tears  are  falling 
Upon  the  trembling  harp-strinys  as  I  sing, 

Am  I  not  safe,  though  grief  my  soul  is  thralling, 
Under  the  shadow  of  my  Father'*  wing? 

ANOlf. 


The  Secret. 

Thou  ahalt  keep  them  in  the   secret  of  thj  pre«*»*ce  from  the 
strife  of  tongues." 

WHEN  winds  are  raging  o'er  U\e  uppe*  ocean, 
And  billows  wild  couteud  with  augrj  roar, 
'Tis  said,  far  down  beneath  the  wild  commotioiu 
That  peaceful  stillness  reigneth  evermore. 


LEANING  ON  JESUS.  25 

Far.  far  beneath,  the  noise  of  tempest  dieth, 
And  silver  waves  chime  ever  peacefully ; 

And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe'er  it  flieth, 
Disturbs  the  Sabbath  of  that  deeper  sea. 

So  to  the  soul  that  knows  Thy  love,  0  Purest, 
There  is  a  temple  peaceful  evermore ; 

And  all  the  babble  of  life's  angry  voices 
Dies  in  hushed  stillness  at  its  sacred  door. 

Far,  far  away  the  noise  of  passion  dieth, 
And  loving  thoughts  rise  ever  peacefully, 

And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe'er  it  flieth, 
Disturbs  that  deeper  rest,  O  Lord,  in  Thee. 

O  Rest  of  rests,  O  Peace,  serene,  eternal, 
Thou  ever  livest,  and  Thou  changest  never ; 

And  in  the  secret  of  Thy  presence  dwelleth 
Fulness  of  joy,  forever  and  forever. 

H.  B.  Stowe. 


Leaning  on  Jesus. 

WHEN  gathering  clouds  around  I  view, 
And  days  are  dark  and  friends  are  few, 
On  Him  I  lean,  who  not  in  vain 
Experienced  every  human  pain ; 
He  sees  my  wants,  allays  my  fears, 
And  counts  and  treasures  up  my  tears. 


* 


26  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

If  aught  should  tempt  my  soul  to  stray 

From  heavenly  wisdom's  narrow  way, 

To  fly  the  good  I  would  pursue, 

Or  do  the  siu  I  would  not  do, 

Still  He,  who  felt  temptation's  power, 

Shall  guard  me  iu  that  dangerous  hour. 

If  wounded  love  my  bosom  swell, 
Deceived  by  those  I  prized  too  well, 
He  shall  His  pitying  aid  bestow, 
Who  felt  on  earth  severer  woe ; 
At  once  betrayed,  denied,  or  fled, 
By  those  who  shared  His  daily  bread. 

If  vexing  thoughts  within  me  rise, 
And,  sore  dismayed,  my  spirit  dies, 
Still  He,  who  once  vouchsafed  to  bear 
The  sickening  anguish  of  despair    > 
Shall  sweetly  soothe,  shall  gently  dry, 
The  throbbing  heart,  the  streaming  eye. 

When  sorrowing  o'er  some  stone  I  bend, 

Which  covers  what  was  once  a  friend. 
And  from  his  voice,  his  hand,  his  smile, 
Divides  me  for  a  little  while, 
Thou,  Saviour,  mark'st  the  tears  I  shed, 
For  Thou  didst  weep  o'er  Lazarus  dead ! 

And  O,  when  I  have  safely  passed 
Through  every  conflict  but  the  last, 


*■ 


* 


»  TIS  I,  BE  NOT  AFRAID.  27 

Still,  still  unchanging,  watch  beside 
My  painful  bed,  for  Thou  hast  died ; 
Then  point  to  realms  of  cloudless  day, 
And  wipe  the  latest  tear  away. 

Sir  Robert  Grant. 


"'Tis  I,  Be  Not  Afraid. 

WHEN  waves  of  sorrow  round  me  swell, 
My  soul  is  not  dismayed ; 
I  hear  a  voice  I  know  full  well, 
'"Tis  I,  be  not  afraid." 

"When  black  the  threatening  clouds  appear, 

And  storms  my  path  invade, 
That  voice  shall  tranquillize  each  fear, 

'"Tis  I,  be  not  afraid." 

There  is  a  gulf  that  must  be  crossed, 

Saviour,  be  near  to  aid ; 
Whisper,  when  my  frail  bark  is  tossed, 

'"Tis  I,  be  not  afraid." 

There  is  a  dark  and  fearful  vale 

Death  hides  within  its  shade ; 

O  say,  when  flesh  and  heart  shall  fail, 

"  'T  is  I,  be  not  afraid." 

Matthew  xiv.,  27. 


*.: 


28  BOCK  OF  AGES. 


Jesus,  We  Will  Look  to  Tiir.i:. 

WHEN  along  life's  thorny  road 
Faints  the  soul  beneath  the  load, 
By  its  cares  and  sins  opprest, 
Finds  on  earth  no  peace  or  rest, 
When  the  wily  tempter's  near, 
Filling  us  with  doubts  and  fear, 
Jesus,  to  Thy  feet  we  flee, 
Jesus,  we  will  look  to  Thee. 

Thou,  our  Saviour,  from  the  throne, 
Listenest  to  Thy  people's  moan; 
Thou,  the  living  Head,  dost  share 
Every  pang  Thy  members  bear. 
Full  of  tenderness  Thou  art, 
Thou  wilt  heal  the  broken  heart ; 
Full  of  power,  Thine  arm  shall  quell 


By  Thy  tears  o'er  Lazarus  shed, 
By  Thy  power  to  raise  the  dead, 
By  Thy  meekness  under  scorn, 
By  Thy  stripes  and  crown  of  thorn, 
By  that  rich  and  precious  blood 
That  hath  made  our  peace  with  God. 
Jesus,  to  Thy  feet  we  flee, 
Jesus,  we  will  cling  to  Thee. 


HE  GIVETH  SONGS  IN  THE  NIGHT,  29 

Mighty  to  redeem  and  save, 
Thou  hast  overcome  the  grave ; 
Thou  the  bars  of  death  hast  riven, 
Opened  wide  the  gates  of  heaven ; 
Soon  in  glory  Thou  shalt  come 
Taking  Thy  poor  pilgrims  home ; 
Then  our  ransomed  souls  shall  be 
Ever,  ever,  Lord,  with  Thee. 

Hebrews  xii.,  2. 


uHe  Giveth  Songs  in  the  Night. 

WE  praise  Thee  oft  for  hours  of  bliss, 
For  days  of  quiet  rest ; 
But,  O,  how  seldom  do  we  feel 
That  pain  and  tears  are  best. 

We  praise  Thee  for  the  shining  sun, 
For  kind  and  gladsome  ways  ; 

When  shall  we  learn,  O  Lord,  to  sing 
Through  weary  nights  and  days. 

We  praise  Thee  when  our  path  is  plain 
And  smooth  beneath  our  feet; 

But  fain  would  learn  to  welcome  pain, 
And  call  the  bitter  sweet. 


*■ 


30  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

When  rises  first  the  blush  of  hope. 

Our  hearts  begin  to  sing; 
But  surely  not  for  this  alone 

Should  we  our  gladness  bring. 

Are  there  no  hours  of  conflict  fierce, 

No  wear}'  toils  aud  pains, 
No  watchings,  and  no  bitterness, 

That  bring  their  blessed  gains  — 

That  bring  their  blessed  gains  full  well. 

In  truer  faith  aud  love, 
And  patience  sweet,  aud  gentleness, 

From  our  dear  home  above  ? 

Teach  Thou  our  weak  and  wandering  hearts 

Aright  to  read  Thy  way, 
That  Thou  with  loving  hand  dost  trace 

Our  history  every  day. 

Then  every  thorny  crown  of  care, 

Worn  well  in  patience  now, 
Shall  grow  a  glorious  diadem 

Upon  the  faithful  brow. 

And  every  word  of  grief  shall  change 
Aud  wave  a  blessed  flower, 

And  lift  its  face  beneath  our  feet 
To  bless  us  every  hour. 


** 


THY  WILL  BE  DONE.  31 

And  Sorrow's  face  shall  be  unveiled, 

And  we  at  last  shall  see 
Her  eyes  are  eyes  of  tenderness, 

Her  speech  but  echoes  Thee ! 

John  Page  Hopps. 


"Thy  Will  Be  Done." 

MY  God,  my  Father,  while  I  stray 
Far  from  my  home  on  life's  rough  way, 
O,  teach  me  from  my  heart  to  say,  — 
"  Thy  will  be  done  !  " 

Though  dark  my  path,  and  sad  my  lot, 
Let  me  be  still,  and  murmur  not ; 
And  breathe  the  prayer  divinely  taught, — 
"Thy  will  be  done!" 

What  though  in  lonely  grief  I  sigh 
For  friends  beloved,  no  longer  nigh, 
Submissive  still  would  I  reply,  — 

"Thy  will  be  done!" 

If  Thou  shouldst  call  me  to  resign 
What  most  I  prize,  it  ne'er  was  mine ; 
I  have  but  yielded  what  was  Thine,  — 
"  Thy  will  be  done ! " 


* 


* 


32  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Should  grief  or  sickness  waste  away 
My  life  in  premature  decay, 
My  Father,  still  I  '11  strive  to  say,  — 
"Thy  will  be  done!  ■ 

Let  but  ray  fainting  heart  be  blest 
With  Thy  sweet  Spirit  for  its  guest, 
My  God,  to  Thee  I  leave  the  rest,  — 

"Thy  will  be  done!" 

Renew  my  will  from  day  to  day, 
Blend  it  with  Thine,  and  take  away 
All  that  now  makes  it  hard  to  say,  — 
"Thy  will  be  done!" 

Then,  when  on  earth  I  breathe  no  more 
The  prayer,  oft  mixed  with  tears  before, 
I  '11  sing  upon  a  happier  shore,  — 

"Thy  will  be  done!" 

Charlotte  Elliott. 


The  Mariner's  Evening  Hymn. 

0  RULER  of  the  storm,  whose  might 
Can  still  theaog"?  wave, 
Thy  mercy,  through  the  coming  night, 
We,  trembling  sinners,  crave  I 


► 


▼^ 


w 


I  AM  CHRIST'S.  AND  CHRIST  IS  MINE.        33 

This  trackless  waste,  at  such  an  hour, 

Which  Thou  alone  canst  span, 
Tells  us  how  infinite  Thy  power, 

How  mean  a  thing  is  man ! 

O  Father  of  the  deep,  our  path 

Lies  o'er  the  midnight  sea, 
Let  not  the  waves  arise  in  wrath ; 

Hushed  be  they  still  by  Thee ; 
And  as  with  contrite  hearts  we  bend, 

And  bow  before  Thy  form, 
Let  not  our  prayers  in  vain  ascend, 

Dread  Ruler  of  the  storm ! 

J.  E.  Carpenter 


I  Am  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  Mine. 

LONG  did  I  toil,  and  knew  no  earthly  rest; 
Far  did  I  rove,  and  found  no  certain  home ; 
At  last  I  sought  them  in  His  sheltering  breast 

Who  opes  His  arms,  and  bids  the  weary  come. 
With  Him  I  found  a  home,  a  rest  divine ; 
And  I  since  then  am  His,  and  He  is  mine. 

Yes,  He  is  mine  !  and  nought  of  earthly  things, 
Not  all  the  charms  of  pleasure,  wealth  or  power, 

The  fame  of  heroes,  or  the  pomp  of  kings, 
Could  tempt  me  to  forego  His  love  an  hour : 

3 


■i* 


34  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Go,  worthless  world,  I  cry,  with  all  that's  thine  . 
Go!  I  ray  Saviour's  am,  and  He  is  mine. 

The  good  I  have  is  from  His  stores  supplied; 

The  ill  is  only  what  He  deems  the  best ; 
He  for  my  friend,  I'm  rich  with  nought  beside, 

And  poor  without  Him,  though  of  all  possessed. 
Changes  may  come ;  I  take,  or  I  resign ; 
Content  while  I  am  His,  while  lie  is  mine. 

Whate'er  may  change,  in  Him  no  change  is  seen ; 

A  glorious  suu,  that  wanes  not  nor  declines ; 
Above  the  clouds  and  storms  He  walks  serene. 

And  sweetly  on  His  people's  darkness  shines ; 
All  may  depart ;  I  fret  not,  nor  repine, 
While  I  my  Saviour's  am,  while  He  is  mine. 

He  stays  me  falling,  lifts  me  up  when  down, 
Reclaims  me  wandering,  guards  from  every  foe. 

Plants  on  my  worthless  brow  the  victor's  crown. 
Which,  in  return,  before  His  feet  I  throw; 

Grieved  that  I  cannot  better  grace  His  shrine 

Who  deigns  to  own  me  His,  as  He  is  mine. 

While  here,  alas  !  I  know  but  half  His  love. 
But  half  discern  Him,  ami  bat  half  adore  ; 

But  when  I  meet  Him  in  the  realms  above 
I  hope  to  love  Him  better,  praise  Him  more; 


*• 


* 


THE  P  0  WER  OF  PR  A  TER.  3  5 

And  feel,  and  tell,  amid  the  choir  divine, 
How  fully  I  am  His,  and  He  is  mine. 

Henry  Francis  Lyte. 


The  Power  op  Prayer. 

THERE  is  an  eye  that  never  sleeps 
Beneath  the  wing  of  night; 
There  is  an  ear  that  never  shuts, 
When  sink  the  beams  of  light. 


There  is  an  arm  that  never  tires, 
When  human  strength  gives  way ; 

There  is  a  love  that  never  fails, 
When  earthly  loves  decay. 

That  eye  is  fixed  on  seraph  throngs 

That  arm  upholds  the  sky; 
That  ear  is  filled  with  angel  songs ; 

That  love  is  throned  on  high. 

But  there's  a  power  which  man  can  wield 

When  mortal  aid  is  vain, 
That  eye,  that  arm,  that  love  to  reach, 

That  listening  ear  to  gain. 


*- 


36  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

That  power  is  prayer,  which  soars  on  high, 

Through  Jesus,  to  the  throne ; 
Aud  moves  the  hand  which  moves  the  world, 

To  bring  salvation  down  ! 

Anon. 


God  Seen  in  His  Works. 

4 

THERE  is  a  book,  who  runs  may  read, 
Which  heavenly  troth  Imparts; 

And  all  the  lore  its  scholars  need, 
Pure  eyes  and  Christian  hearts. 

The  works  of  God,  above,  below, 

Within  us  and  around, 
Are  pages  in  that  book,  to  show 

How  God  Himself  is  found. 

The  glorious  sky,  embracing  all, 

Is  like  the  Maker's  love, 
Wherewith  encompassed,  great  and  small 

In  peace  and  order  move. 

The  moon  above,  the  church  below, 

A  wondrous  race  they  run; 
But  all  their  radiance,  all  their  glow, 

Each  borrows  of  its  Sun. 


*- 


* 


GOD  SEEN  IN  HIS  WORKS.  37 

The  Saviour  lends  the  light  and  heat 

That  crowns  His  holy  will ; 
The  saints,  like  stars  around  His  seat 

Perform  their  courses  still. 

The  saints  above  are  stars  in  heaven ; 

What  are  the  saints  on  earth  ? 
Like  trees  they  stand,  whom  God  has  given, 

Our  Eden's  happy  birth. 

Faith  is  their  fixed,  unswerving  root, 

Hope  their  unfading  flower ; 
Fair  deeds  of  charity  their  fruit, 

The  glory  of  their  bower. 

The  dew  of  Heaven  is  like  Thy  grace ; 

It  steals  in  silence  down ; 
But  where  it  lights,  the  favored  place 

By  richest  fruits  is  known. 

One  name,  above  all  glorious  names, 

With  its  ten  thousand  tongues 
The  everlasting  sea  proclaims, 

Echoing  angelic  songs. 

The  raging  fire,  the  roaring  wind, 

Thy  boundless  power  display, 
But  in  the  gentler  breeze  we  find 

Thy  Spirit's  viewless  way. 


*- 


38  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Two  worlds  are  ours ;  't  is  only  sin 

Forbids  us  to  descry, 
The  mystic  Leaven  and  earth  within, 

Plain  as  the  sea  and  sky. 

Thou  who  hast  given  us  eyes  to  see 
And  love  this  sight  so  fair, 

Give  us  a  heart  to  find  out  Thee, 
And  read  Thee  everywhere. 


Keblx. 


The  Word  of  God. 

LAMP  of  our  feet,  whereby  we  trace 
Our  path,  as  here  we  stray  : 
Stream  from  the  fount  of  heav'nly  grace  — 
Brook  by  the  traveller's  way. 

Bread  of  our  souls  !  whereon  we  feed, 

Our  manna  from  on  high  ; 
Our  guide,  our  chart,  wherein  we  read 

Of  realms  beyond  the  sky. 

Pillar  of  fire  !  through  watches  dark, 

Or  radiant  cloud  by  day  ; 
WheD  waves  would  whelm  our  tossing  bark, 

Our  anchor  and  our  stay. 


** 


AS  THY  DAY,  SO  SHALL  THY  STRENGTH  BE.   39 

Pole  star  on  life's  tempestuous  deep, 

Beacon  when  doubts  surround ; 
Compass,  by  which  our  course  we  keep, 

Our  plummet-line  to  sound. 

Our  shield  and  buckler  in  the  fight ; 

In  victory's  hour  the  palm ; 
Comfort  in  grief ;  in  weakness,  might; 

In  sickness,  Gilead's  balm. 

Childhood's  instructor,  manhood's  trust, 

Old  age's  firm  ally ; 
Our  hope,  when  we  go  down  to  dust, 

Of  immortality. 

Word  of  the  ever-living  God ! 

Will  of  His  glorious  Son ! 
Without  Thee,  how  could  earth  be  trod, 

Or  heaven  itself  be  won  ? 

Anon. 


As  Thy  Day,  So  Shall  Thy  Strength  Be. 

WHEN  adverse  winds  and  waves  arise 
And  in  my  heart  despondence  sighs, 
When  life  her  throng  of  cares  reveals, 
And  weakness  o'er  my  spirit  steals, 
Grateful  I  hear  the  kind  decree 
That  "As  my  day,  my  strength  shall  be." 


•* 


*- 


40  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

When  with  sad  footsteps  memory  roves 
O'er  smitten  joys  and  buried  loves, 
When  like  a  mourner  low  I  bend, 
Without  a  comforter  or  friend. 
Then  to  Thy  promise,  Lord,  I  flee, 
Still  "As  Thy  day,  Thy  .strength  shall  be." 

One  trial  more  must  yet  be  past, 
One  pang,  the  keenest  and  the  last ; 
And  when,  convulsed  with  mortal  pain, 
Struggling  I  seek  for  ease  in  vain, 
Then  wilt  Thou  give  my  soul  to  see 
That  "  As  her  day,  her  strength  shall  be." 

Hear  My  Cry! 

0  STRONG  to  save  and  bless, 
My  rock  and  righteousness, 
Draw  near  to  me ! 
Blessing,  and  joy,  and  might, 
Wisdom,  and  love,  and  light, 
Are  all  with  Thee  ! 

My  refuge  and  my  rest, 

As  child  on  mother's  breast, 

I  lean  on  Thee  ! 
From  faintness  and  from  fear, 
When  foes  and  ill  are  near, 

Deliver  me ! 


HEAR  MY  CRT!  41 

Turn  not  away  Thy  face, 
Withhold  not  needed  grace, 

My  fortress  be ! 
Perils  are  round  and  round, 
Iniquities  abound, 

See,  Saviour,  see ! 

Come,  God  and  Saviour,  come ! 
I  can  no  more  be  dumb ; 

Appeal  I  must 
To  Thee,  the  Gracious  One, 
Else  is  my  hope  all  gone, 

I  sink  in  dust! 

O  answer  me,  my  God, 
Thy  love  is  deep  and  broad, 

Thy  grace  is  true  ! 
Thousands  this  grace  have  shared, 
O  let  me  now  be  heard, 

0  love  me  too ! 

Descend,  Thou  mighty  love, 
Descend  from  heaven  above, 

Fill  Thou  this  soul ! 
Heal  every  bruised  part, 
Bind  up  this  broken  heart, 
And  make  me  whole. 


* 


42  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

*  Tis  knowing  Thee  that  heals ; 
'  Tis  seeing  Thee  that  seals 

Comfort  and  peace ! 
Show  me  Thy  cross  and  blood, 
My  Saviour  and  ray  God, 

Then  troubles  cease. 


Bonah. 


Abounding  in  Hope. 

HOPE,  Christian  soul!  in  every  stage 
Of  this,  thine  earthly  pilgrimage, 
Let  heavenly  joy  thy  thoughts  engage  — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Hope  !  though  thy  lot  be  want  and  woe, 
Though  hate's  rude  storms  against  thee  blow, 
Thy  Saviour's  lot  was  such  below  — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Hope !  for  to  all  who  meekly  bear 
His  cross,  He  gives  His  crown  to  wear; 
Abasement  here  is  glory  there  — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Hope !  though  thy  dear  ones  round  thee  die, 
Beheld  with  Faith's  illumined  eye 
Their  deathless  home  beyond  the  sky  — 
Abound  in  hope. 


SA  7ING  HELP.  43 

Hope !  for  upon  that  happy  shore 
Sorrow  and  sighing  will  be  o'er, 
And  friends  shall  meet  to  part  no  more  — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Hope  through  the  watches  of  the  night, 
Hope  till  the  morrow  bring  the  light, 
Hope  till  thy  faith  be  lost  in  sight  — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Anon. 


Saving  Help. 

WHEN  wounded  sore  the  stricken  soul 
Lies  bleeding  and  unbound, 
One  only  hand,  a  pierced  hand, 
Can  heal  the  sinner's  wound. 

When  sorrow  swells  the  laden  breast, 

And  tears  of  anguish  flow, 
One  only  heart,  a  broken  heart, 

Can  feel  the  sinner's  woe. 

"When  penitence  has  wept  in  vain 

Over  some  foul,  dark  spot, 
One  only  stream,  a  stream  of  blood, 

Can  wash  away  the  blot. 


44  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Tis  Jesus'  blood  that  washes  white, 

His  hand  that  brings  relief, 
His  heart  that's  touched  with  all  our  joys, 

Aud  feels  for  all  our  grief. 

Lift  up  thy  bleeding  hand,  O  Lord; 

Unseal  that  cleansing  tide ; 
We  have  no  shelter  from  our  sin, 

But  in  Thy  wounded  side. 

Mrs.  Cecil  Frances  Alexander. 


Deligiit  in  God  Only. 

I  LOVE  (and  have  some  cause  to  love)  the  earth  ; 
She  is  my  Maker's  creature,  therefore  good; 
She  is  my  mother,  for  she  gave  me  birth  ; 

She  is  my  tender  nurse,  she  gives  me  food ; 
But  what 's  a  creature,  Lord,  compared  with  Thee  ? 
Or  what 's  my  mother,  or  my  nurse  to  me? 

I  love  the  air;  her  dainty  sweets  refresh 

My  drooping  soul,  and  to  new  sweets  invite  me  ; 

Her  shrill-mouthed  choir  sustain  me  with  their  tlesh, 
And  with  their  polyphonian  notes  delight  me; 

But  what 's  the  air  or  all  the  sweets  that  she 

Can  bless  my  soul  withal,  compared  to  Thee? 


*■ 


♦< 


DELIGHT  IN  GOD   ONLY.  45 

I  love  the  sea,  she  is  my  fellow-creature, 
My  careful  purveyor;  she  provides  me  store ; 

She  walls  me  round ;  she  makes  my  diet  greater ; 
She  wafts  my  treasure  from  a  foreign  shore ; 

But  Lord  of  oceans,  when  compared  with  Thee, 

What  is  the  ocean,  or  her  wealth  to  me? 

To  heaven's  high  city  I  direct  my  journey, 
Whose  spangled  suburbs  entertain  mine  eye ; 

Mine  eye,  by  contemplation's  great  attorney, 
Transcends  the  crystal  pavement  of  the  sky; 

But  what  is  heaven,  great  God,  compared  with  Thee  ? 

Without  Thy  presence,  heaven  's  no  heaven  to  me. 

Without  Thy  presence  earth  gives  no  reflection ; 

Without  Thy  presence  sea  affords  no  treasure ; 
Without  Thy  presence  air 's  a  rank  infection ; 

Without  Thy  presence  heaven  itself  no  pleasure ; 
If  not  possessed,  if  not  enjoyed  in  Thee, 
What 's  earth,  or  sea,  or  air,  or  heaven,  to  me  ? 

The  highest  honors  that  the  world  can  boast 
Are  subjects  far  too  low  for  my  desires ; 

The  brightest  beams  of  glory  are  (at  most) 
But  dying  sparkles  of  Thy  living  fire. 

The  loudest  flames  that  earth  can  kindle  be 

But  nightly  glow- worms,  if  compared  to  Thee. 


+% 


46  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Without  Thy  presence  wealth  is  bags  of  cares; 

Wisdom  but  folly;  joy,  disquiet,  sadness; 
Friendship  is  treason,  and  delights  are  snares, 

Pleasures  but  pain,  and  mirth  but  pleasing  madness. 
Without  Thee,  Lord,  things  be  not  what  they  be, 
Nor  have  they  being  when  compared  with  Thee. 

In  having  all  things,  and  not  Thee,  what  have  I? 

Not  having  Thee,  what  have  my  labors  got? 
Let  me  enjoy  but  Thee,  what  further  crave  I  ? 

And  having  Thee  alone,  what  have  I  not? 
I  wish  nor  sea  nor  land  ;  nor  would  I  be 
Possessed  of  heaven,  heaven  unpossessed  of  Thee. 

Francis  Quarles. 


On  The  Rock. 

OH!  it  was  lang,  Lang  syne,  mother, 
When  we  lived  by  the  sea, 
Ye  wiuna'  mind  it  now,  mother, 
But  it 's  like  yest'reen  to  me, 
When  I  was  gatherin'  shells,  mother. 

Sae  mouy  and  sae  fair, 
I  aye  went  on  and  on,  mother, 
And  aye  —  a  wee  bit  mair. 


A i 


*/! 


OX  THE  BOCK.  47 

And  a'  the  sea  cam'  in,  mother, 

Roun'  by  the  creek  o'  Fyle, 
And  I  was  left  far  out,  mother, 

Alane  on  a  sandy  isle. 
O,  I  was  wae  and  eerie,  mother, 

I  gied  the  wildest  cry ; 
But  naething  cam'  my  way,  mother, 

But  a  sea-gull  swoopin'  by. 

I  saw  the  waves  come  washin',  mother, 

And  ripplin'  to  my  feet, 
And  roun'  behind  my  back,  mother, 

I  saw  the  waters  meet, 
Aye  lappin'  up  the  sands,  mother, 

An'  I  cried,  "  O,  maun  I  die !  " 
But  naething  but  a  gull,  mother, 

Took  ony  heed  o'  me. 

There  was  a  wee  bit  rock,  mother, 

I  stood  upon  it  then, 
An'  the  sea  cam'  rollin'  up,  mother, 

An'  then  I  cried  again. 
I  stared  a  dyin'  stare,  mother, 

On  the  waters  round  and  round, 
But  seven  waves  mair,  I  thought,  mother, 

The  eighth  —  and  I  '11  be  drowned. 

And  I  was  countin'  them,  mother, 
And  O,  I  never  kenned 


w 


48  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Wha'  brought  me  hame  to  yon,  mother, 

But  sure  it  was  a  friend. 
0,  I  greeted  then  for  joy,  mother, 

Wi'  my  head  upou  your  breast; 
I  thought  I'd  never  leave  ye  mairj 

O,  mother,  that  was  Rest! 

But,  mother,  I  am  goin'  now ; 

I  've  been  a  bairn  sin'  then, 
Wanderiu'  and  wauderin'  on,  mother, 

Seekiu'  for  shells  again  ; 
But  I  forgot  the  shells,  mother, 

When  a'  the  waves  cam'  in ; 
I  thought  that  I  maun  perish,  mother, 

In  those  dark  waves  o'  sin. 

But  my  feet  are  on  the  Rock,  mother, 

No'  a  wee  bit  rock  like  yon, 
But  on  the  Rock  of  Ages,  mother, 

An'  the  waves  come  rolliu'  on ; 
The  waves  have  risen  and  fa'en,  mother, 

Mony  a  time  sin'  then ; 
I  've  feared  to  see  them  sometimes,  mother, 

But  they  've  aye  fa'en  back  again. 

I'm  waitiu'  on  the  Rock,  mother, 

And  one  dear  voice  I  hear  — 
lie  will  lav  me  in  the  boat,  mother, 

And  take  His  place  quite  near; 


HYMN  TO  THE  SEASONS.  49 

For  He  is  going  wi'  me,  mother, 
"  I  '11  be  with  you,"  He  said ; 
He  calls  to  me  frae  the  boat,  mother, 
"  It  is  I  —  be  not  afraid." 

When  I  cam'  hame  to  you,  mother, 

I  kenned  o'  naething  between; 
My  feet  were  on  the  rock,  mother  — 

My  feet  were  on  the  green. 
My  feet  are  on  the  Rock,  mother ; 

It  may  be,  afore  I  ken, 
I  '11  stand  on  yon  sunny  shore,  mother, 

And  be  at  hame  again. 

Ay,  in  a  brighter  Hame,  mother, 

No  sea,  —  no  waves  o'  sin ; 
A  Hame  wi'  nane  goin'  out,  mother, 

But  mony  comin'  in. 
If  tears  are  there,  I'll  weep,  mother, 

Upon  my  Father's  breast ; 
My  heart  is  o'erflowin'  now,  mother, 

O,  mother,  this  is  Best. 

R.  E.  L.  in  the  Sunday  Magazine. 

Hymn  to  the  Seasons. 

WHEN  Spring  unlocks  the  flowers  to  paint  the 
laughing  soil, 
When  Summer's  balmy  showers  refresh  the  mower's 
toil, 

4 


■* 


50  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

When  Winter  binds  in  frosty  chains  the  fallow  and 

the  flood, 
In  God  the  earth  rejoiceth  still,  and  owns  its  Maker 

good. 

The  birds  that  wake  the  morning,  and  those  that 

love  the  shade ; 
The  winds  that  sweep  the   mountain,  or  lull   the 

drowsy  glade ; 
The  sun  that  from  his  amber  bower  rejoiceth  on  his 

way; 
The  moon,  and  stars,  their  Maker's  name  in  silent 

pomp  display. 

Shall  man,  the  lord  of  nature,  expectant  of  the  sky,  — 
Shall  man,  alone  unthankful,  his  little  praise  deny? 
No;  let  the  year  forsake  his  course,  the   seasons 

cease  to  be, 
Thee,  Master,  must  we  always  love,  and,  Saviour, 

honor  Thee. 

The  flowers  of  Spring  may  wither,  the  hope  of  Sum- 
mer fade, 

The  Autumn  droop  in  Winter,  the  birds  forsake  the 
shade, 

The  wind  be  lulled,  the  sun  and  moon  forget  their 
old  decree, 

But  we  in  Nature's  latest  hour,  O  Lord !  will  cling 
to  Thee  Bishop  Heber. 


*■ 


* 


THE  COMPLAINT  OF  A  PILGRIM.  51 


The  Complaint  of  a  Pilgrim. 

OLOKD,  niy  God,  the  way  is  rough  and  long ; 
And    I,    through     weariness,    am    faint    and 
failing. 
*'  I  am  thy  staff,  and  I  will  strengthen  thee, 
Though  earthly  help  is  vain  and  unavailing." 

11  There  is  no  water  in  this  weary  land, 

While  thirst  consumes  my  parched  and  fainting 
soul." 
"  Come  unto  me !  of  living  Streams  the  Fount ; 

I  will  refresh  thee ;  I  will  make  thee  whole." 

;'  But,  O  my  Lord !  my  heavy  daily  cross 
Doth  well-nigh  weigh  me  down.    Lord,  succor  me. ■ 

"  I  bear  it  with  thee,  O  faint-hearted  One, 
Who  a  far  heavier  cross  have  borne  for  thee." 

Fold  not  the  darkness  fondly  round  thy  heart, 
Think  of  my  mercy  sweet,  and  comfort  thee, 

My  poor,  unworthy  child ;  for  Mine  thou  art, 
And  sin  alone  can  snatch  my  child  from  Me. 

"  I  leave  thee  never;  thou  art  not  alone, 
And  with  thine  own  and  thee  Mine  angels  dwell  • 

Possess  thy  soul  in  patience ;  freely  give 
Me  love  for  love,  and  all  shall  yet  be  well." 


52  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

u  The  time  is  short.     They  that  now  weep,  erelong 
Shall  be  as  though  they  wept  not  ;  they  that  mourn 

Be  comforted,  for  I  will  comfort  them; 
And  sweet  shall  be  their  -rlad  thanksgiving  song." 


Soul  of  Ciieist. 

SOUL  of  Jesus,  once  for  me 
Offered  on  the  shameful  tree, 
Heal,  and  make  me  by  that  cure, 
Pure  as  Thou  Thyself  art  pure ; 
Thou  of  life  the  fountain  fair, 
Draw  me  in  and  keep  me  there. 

Form  of  Jesus,  One  with  God, 
Who  the  dreadful  winepress  trod, 
Man  of  sorrows  drowned  in  grief, 
Thou  of  sin  the  sole  relief, 
Be  Thy  sacramental  power 
Present  at  my  dying  hour. 

Holy  Jesus,  great  I  Am, 
Shining  in  a  spotless  Lamb, 
Gentle  as  the  heavenly  Dove, 
Thou  the  Lord  of  light  and  love, 
By  thy  passion,  by  Thy  prayer 
Snatch  me  from  my  own  despair. 


*■ 


* 


SOUL  OF  CHRIST.  53 

Hide  me  where  that  wound  was  given, 
Piercing  to  the  heart  of  heaven. 
Hide  me  where  those  nails  unmeet 
Rent  Thy  hands  and  fixed  Thy  feet. 
Hide  me  where  red  drops  ran  down 
From  that  sad  acanthine  crown. 

Blood  of  Jesus,  crimson  sea, 
Glorious  as  eternity, 
Fathomless,  alone,  sublime, 
Boundless  bath  of  human  crime, 
Me  the  leper,  vile  and  mean, 
Plunge  me  there  and  make  me  clean. 


Water,  from  that  sacred  side, 
Of  a  God  who  groaned  and  died, 
Blending  with  the  purple  gore, 
When  His  agony  was  o'er, 
Plow  in  mercy  full  and  free, 
Plow  for  sinners,  flow  for  me. 

Holy  Jesus,  let  me  be 
Never  separate  from  Thee ; 
Prom  the  malice  of  the  foe 
Ward  me  in  the  vale  of  woe ; 
Lot  me,  yielding  up  my  breath, 
Pind  a  paradise  in  death. 


54  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

There  no  more  shall  night  be  known, 
Safely  prostrate  at  Thy  throne; 
Called  by  Thee  to  realms  of  day, 
Where  all  tears  are  wiped  away, 
Jesus,  thou  ray  rest  shalt  be, 
Faith  hath  found  her  home  in  Thee. 

M.  Bridges. 

Have  Faith  in  Him. 

HAVE  faith  in  Him  who  rules  the  deep 
And  stills  the  angry  wave, 
At  whose  dread  word  the  surges  sweep 

O'er  many  an  ocean  grave  ; 
Whose  hand  is  in  the  storm  and  calm 

To  succor  or  destroy,  — 
He  is  thy  shield  'gainst  every  harm, 

To  Him  sing  songs  of  joy. 
Have  faith  in  him ;  'tis  not  for  man 

To  judge  His  wond'rous  ways, 
He  can  thy  every  action  scan, 

To  Him  sing  songs  of  praise. 

Have  faith  in  Him  who  rules  the  world, 

Whose  eye  can  compass  all,  — 
The  rocks  from  their  foundation  hurled, 

And  marks  the  sparrow's  fall; 
Whose  voice  is  in  the  evening  breeze, 

And  in  the  tempest's  roar, 


*/f 


GOD  IS  LOVE.  55 

Who  rules  the  heaven,  the  earth,  the  sea, 

And  can  the  dead  restore. 
Have  faith  in  Him ;  be  not  afraid 

To  walk  within  His  ways ; 
Think  in  His  image  ye  are  made, 

To  Him  sing  songs  of  praise. 

J.  E.  Carpenter. 


God  is  Love. 

I  CANNOT  always  trace  the  way 
Where  thou,  Almighty  One,  dost  move ; 
But  I  can  always,  always  say, 
That  God  is  love. 

When  fear  her  chilling  mantle  flings 
O'er  earth,  my  soul  to  heaven  above, 

As  to  her  native  home,  upsprings, 
For  God  is  love. 

When  mystery  clouds  my  darkened  path, 
I'll  check  my  dread,  my  doubts  reprove, 

In  this  my  soul  sweet  comfort  hath, 
That  God  is  love. 

Yes,  God  is  love ;  a  thought  like  this 

Can  every  gloomy  thought  remove, 

And  turn  all  tears,  all  woes,  to  bliss, 

For  God  is  love. 

Anon. 


* 


56  JiOCK  OF  AGES. 


Consecration-  and  Trust. 

THIXE  forever!     God  of  love, 
Hear  us  from  Thy  throne  above ; 
Thine  forever  may  we  be, 
Here  and  in  eternity  ! 

Thine  forever!     Lord  of  life, 
Shield  us  through  our  earthly  strife; 
Thou  the  Life,  the  Truth,  the  Way, 
Guide  us  to  the  realms  of  day. 

Thine  forever!     O  how  blest 
They  who  And  in  Thee  their  rest; 
Saviour,  Guardian,  heavenly  Friend, 
O  defend  us  to  the  end. 

Thine  forever!     Saviour  keep 
These  Thy  frail  and  trembling  sheep; 
Safe  alone  beneath  Thy  care 
Let  us  all  Thy  goodness  share. 

Thine  forever!     Thou  our  Guide, 
All  our  wants  by  Thee  supplied, 
All  our  sins  by  Thee  forgiven, 
Led  by  Thee  from  earth  to  heaven. 


Anon. 


*■ 


*/t 


HIS  TRUTH,  ETC.  57 


His  Truth  Shall  Be  Thy  Shield  and  Buckler. 

WHEN  my  sins  in  aspect  dread 
Meet  like  waters  o'er  my  head, 
Seen  in  light  of  God's  own  face, 
Darker  for  His  offered  grace,— 
When  I  sigh  for  healing  rest, 
By  a  hopeless  yoke  opprest, 
Struggling  in  a  grasp  too  strong, 
Borne  as  by  a  wind  along,  — 
Then  I  hear  that  Voice  from  Heaven, 
"Knock,  and  entrance  shall  be  given. 
Him  that  comes,  whoe'er  he  be, 
I  will  never  cast  from  Me !  " 
When  /come,  with  trembling  heart, 
Will  the  Saviour  say,  "Depart"? 
Shall  I  find  His  pardon  free 
Is  in  wrath  denied  to  me? 
Is  my  guilt  so  deep  in  stain 
That  the  cleansing  blood  is  vain? 
"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
Not  My  Words,"  so  Christ  doth  say. 
In  that  hour,  "  His  Truth  shall  be 
Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 

When  the  clouds  have  hid  His  face, 
And  His  path  no  more  I  trace, 
And  all  comforts  that  illume 
Life  have  faded  into  gloom, 


58  LOCK  OF  AGES, 

Quenched  each  earth-enkindled  spark, 
Can  I  trust  Him  in  the  dark? 
Will  my  wavering  faith  still  hold 
To  a  promise  breathed  of  old? 
When  I  meet  some  foe  unknown, 
Shall  I  find  myself  alone  ? 
Soul,  by  faith  thou  walkest  here, 
Though  nor  sun  nor  stars  appear, 
Wait  and  watch  throughout  the  night, 
And  till  daybreak  ask  not  sight ! 
All  unseen,  thy  Heavenly  Guide 
Walks,  through  darkness,  at  thy  side. 
"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away. 
Not  My  Words,"  so  Christ  doth  say. 
In  the  gloom.  "  His  TRUTH  shall  be 
Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 

In  the  terrors  of  the  night, 
In  the  mid-day  arrows'  flight, 
When  destruction  wasteth  near. 
And  all  faces  blanch  with  fear. 
When  a  thousand  round  me  fall, 
Shall  I  trust  Thee,  calm  through  all? 
Will  this  trembling  spirit  be 
Kept  "  in  perfect  peace  "  by  Thee? 
Though  all  stable  things  may  end, 
Earth  and  sky  in  tempest  blend, 
Shall  I  lean  upon  Thy  breast, 
And  beneath  Thy  shadow  rest? 


HIS  TRUTH,  ETC.  59 

Wilt  Thou  arm  my  soul  with  power, 
Ne'er  experienced  till  that  hour? 
"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
Not  My  Words,"  so  Christ  doth  say. 
In  that  strait,  "  His  Truth  shall  be 
Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 

As  the  weary  years  go  by, 

Will  my  love  wax  cold,  and  die? 

If  the  pilgrimage  be  long, 

Life  be  dark,  and  foes  be  strong, 

Shall  I  not  grow  faint,  and  yield? 

Shall  I  ever  win  the  field  ? 

How  shall  I  endure  and  dare? 

How  the  cross  in  patience  bear? 

How  through  tedious  years  sustain 

Wavering  conflict,  oft  in  vain  ? 

Nay,  but  the  Unchanging  Friend 

11  Will  confirm  you  to  the  end  !  " 

"  He  who  hath  the  work  begun 

Ne'er  will  leave  that  work  undone ;  " 

While  at  God's  right  hand  He  lives, 

Deathless  is  the  life  He  gives, 

Through  all  change,  and  woe,  and  strife, 

"  Springing  up  to  endless  life." 

••  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

Not  My  Words,"  so  Christ  doth  say. 

In  all  years   "  His  Truth  shall  be 

Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 


■* 


60  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

When  I  reach  life's  earthly  bound, 

And  the  shadows  darken  round, 

All  familiar  things  and  dear 

Fading  fast  from  eye  and  oar,  — 

In  that  hour  of  mortal  smart, 

Trembling  flesh  and  failing  heart, 

Shall  I  find  my  anchor  vain, 

Parting  in  that  latest  strain? 

Hear  the  Shepherd's  voice  of  old, 

Looking  on  His  helpless  fold, 

Looking  far,  with  gaze  divine. 

Down  the  ages'  lengthening  line: 

"  Every  feeble  sheep  I  know  : 

Life  eternal  I  bestow  : 

None  shall  pluck  them  from  My  hand." 

Shall  that  word  of  promise  stand? 

Or,  when  countless  foes  affright, 

Closing  round  in  latest  fight,  — 

In  that  deadly  hour  and  dim, 

Shall  my  soul  be  snatched  from  Him  ? 

"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

Xot  My  Words.  — "  so  Christ  doth  say. 

In  death's  grasp,  "  His  Truth  shall  be 

Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee.'' 

H.  A.D. 


►  «- 


■* 


WHY  DOST  THOU  WAIT1  61 


Why  Dost  Thou  Wait? 

POOR  trembling  lamb  !     Ah,  who  outside  the  fold 
Has  bid  thee  stand  all  weary  as  thou  art? 
Dangers  around  thee,  and  the  bitter  cold, 

Creeping  and  gnawing  at  thine  inmost  heart ; 
Who  bids  thee  wait  till  some  mysterious  feeling, 
Thou  knowest  not  what  —  perchance  may'st  never 
know  — 
Shall  find  thee  where  in  darkness  thou  art  kneeling, 
And  fill  thee  with  a  rich  and  wondrous  glow 
Of  love  and  faith ;  and  change  to  warmth  and  light 
The  chill  and  darkness  of  thy  spirit's  night  ? 

For  miracles  like  this  who  bids  thee  wait? 

Behold,  "the  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say,  Come." 
The  tender  Shepherd  opens  wide  the  gate, 

And  in  His  love  would  lead  thee  gently  home. 
Why  shouldst  thou  wait?    Long  centuries  ago, 

Thou  timid  lamb,  the  Shepherd  paid  for  thee. 
Thou  art  His  own.     Wouldst  thou  His  beauty  know, 

Nor  trust  the  love  which  yet  thou  canst  not  see  ? 

Thou  hast  not  learned  this  lesson  to  receive, 

11  More  blest  are  they  who  see  not,  yet  believe." 

Still  dost  thou  wait  for  feeling?     Dost  thou  say, 
"  Fain  would  I  love  and  trust,  but  hope  is  dead ; 

I  have  no  faith,  and  without  faith  who  may 
Rest  in  the  blessing  which  is  only  shed 


62  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Upon  the  faithful?     I  must  stand  and  wait." 
Not  so.     The  Shepherd  does  not  ask  of  thee 

?aith  iu  thy  faith,  but  only  faith  in  Him; 
And  this  He  meant  in  saying,  "  Come  to  me." 
In  light  or  darkness  seek  to  do  His  will, 
And  leave  the  work  of  faith  to  Jesus  still. 

Anon. 


Daily  Prayer. 

COME  to  the  morning  prayer, 
Come,  let  us  kneel  and  pray  : 
Prayer  is  the  Christian  pilgrim's  staff, 
To  walk  with  God  all  day. 

At  noon,  beneath  the  Rock 
Of  Ages,  rest  and  pray ; 
Sweet  is  that  shelter  from  the  heat, 
When  the  sun  smites  by  day. 

At  evening,  shut  thy  door, 
Round  the  home  altar  pray  ; 
And,  finding  there  the  house  of  God, 
At  heaven's  gate  close  the  day. 

When  midnight  veils  our  eyes, 
O,  it  is  sweet  to  say, 
I  sleep,  but  my  heart  waketh,  Lord, 
With  thee  to  watch  and  pray  ! 


*- 


EVENING  MEDITATIONS.  63 


Evening  Meditations. 
f  pHE  twilight  falls ;  the  night  is  near : 
A   I  fold  my  work  away, 
And  kneel  to  One  who  bends  to  hear 
The  story  of  the  day. 

The  old,  old  story;  yet  I  kneel 

To  tell  it  at  Thy  call, 
And  cares  grow  lighter  as  I  feel 

That  Jesus  knows  them  all. 

Yes,  all !     The  morning  and  the  night, 

The  joy,  the  grief,  the  loss, 
The  roughened  path,  the  sunbeam  bright, 

The  hourly  thorn  and  cross  — 

Thou  knowest  all.     I  lean  my  head, 

My  weary  eyelids  close, 
Content  and  glad  awhile  to  tread 

The  path,  since  Jesus  knows. 

And  He  has  loved  me  !     All  my  heart 
With  answering  love  is  stirred, 

And  every  anguished  pain  and  smart 
Finds  healing  in  the  word. 

So  here  I  lay  me  down  to  rest, 

As  nightly  shadows  fall, 
And  lean,  confiding  on  His  breast 

Who  knows  and  pities  all. 


C4  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


Tin:  Hour  of  Prater. 

MY  God !  is  any  hour  so  sweet, 
From  blush  ot  mora  to  evening  star, 
As  that  which  calls  me  to  Thy  feet, 
The  hour  of  prayer? 

Blest  is  the  tranquil  hour  of  morn, 
And  blest  the  hour  of  solemn  eve, 
When,  on  the  wings  of  prayer  up-borne, 
The  world  I  leave. 

Then  is  my  strength  by  Thee  renewed; 
Then  are  my  sins  by  Thee  forgiven ; 
Then  dost  Thou  cheer  my  solitude 
With  hopes  of  heaven. 

No  words  can  teli  what  sweet  relief 

There  for  my  every  want  I  find; 
What  strength  for  warfare,  balm  for  grief, 
What  peace  of  mind. 

Hushed  is  each  doubt,  gone  every  fear; 

My  spirit  seems  in  heaven  to  stay; 
And  e'en  the  penitential  tear 
Is  wiped  away. 

Lord !  till  I  reach  that  blissful  shore, 

No  privilege  so  dear  shall  be, 
As  thus  my  inmost  soul  to  pour 

In  prayer  to  Thee.         c.  Elliot. 


* 


•^ 


FEAR  NOT,  BUT  TRUST.  65 


Fear  Not,  but  Trust. 

"  A  H,  pilot !  't  is  a  fearful  night, 

xjL  There  's  danger  on  the  deep ; 
I'll  come  and  pace  the  deck  with  thee, 

I  do  not  dare  to  sleep." 
"  Go  down !  "  the  sailor  cried,  "  go  down . 

This  is  no  place  for  thee ; 
Fear  not,  but  trust  in  Providence, 

Wherever  thou  mayst  be." 

"  Ah,  pilot!  dangers  often  met, 

We  all  are  apt  to  slight ; 
And  thou  hast  known  the  raging  waves 

But  to  subdue  their  might." 
"It  is  not  apathy,"  he  cried, 

"  That  gives  this  strength  to  me; 
Fear  not,  but  trust  in  Providence, 

Wherever  thou  mayst  be. 

"  In  such  a  night,  the  sea  ingulfed 

My  father's  lifeless  form ; 
My  only  brother's  boat  went  down 

In  just  so  wild  a  storm. 
And  such,  perhaps,  may  be  my  fate, 

But  still  I  say  to  thee, 
Fear  not,  but  trust  in  Providence, 

Wherever  thou  mayst  be." 

Thomas  Haynes  Bafly. 


■* 


66  HOCK  OF  AGES. 


Cfirist  the  Refuge. 

TOSSING  in  dreamy  sleep, 
Rocked  on  the  foam, 
Sad  and  sick,  weak  and  worn, 

Far  from  his  home, 
Sighs  the  lone  wanderer, 

Seeking,  in  vain, 
Rest  from  his  weariness, 
Ease  from  his  pain. 

So  Christ,  the  sinner's  friend, 

Mighty  to  save, 
Slumbered  once,  wearily, 

Tossed  on  the  wave, 
Slept  as  the  innocent 

Only  can  sleep,  — 
Slept  till  the  wind  arose 

O'er  the  wild  deep. 

Then,  from  His  slumber  roused, 

Calmly  He  spoke, 
While  o'er  the  vessel's  deck 

Rude  billows  broke. 
"  Wild  winds  and  stormy  waves, 

Peace,  peace,  be  still,"  — 
Wild  winds  and  stormy  waves 

Bowed  to  His  will. 


* 


PRAYER  AT  SEA.  67 

We  are  the  wanderers, 

Rocked  on  the  foam, 
Sad  and  sick,  weak  and  worn, 

Far  from  our  home, 
Sighing  and  lonely, 

Seeking  in  vain 
Rest  from  our  weariness, 

Ease  from  our  pain. 

Speak  to  our  troubled  hearts, 

Saviour  divine, 
Say  to  the  tired  and  weak,  — 

"  Peace,  thou  art  mine." 
Glad,  to  this  sheltering  Rock, 

Dear  Lord,  we  flee, 
None  ever  sought  in  vain 

Refuge  in  Thee. 

S.  F.  Smith. 


Peayer  at  Sea. 

PRAYER  may  be  sweet  in  cottage  homes, 
Where  sire  and  child  devoutly  kneel, 
While  through  the  open  casement  nigh 
The  vernal  blossoms  fragrant  steal. 

Prayer  may  be  sweet  in  stately  halls, 
Where  heart  with  kindred  heart  is  blent, 

And  upward  to  th'  eternal  throne 
The  hymn  of  praise  melodious  sent. 


* 


68  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

But  he  who  fain  would  know  how  warm 

The  soul's  appeal  to  God  may  be, 
From  friends  and  native  land  should  turn, 

A  wanderer  on  the  faithless  sea.  — 

Should  hear  its  deep,  imploring  tone 
Rise  heavenward  o'er  the  foaming  surge, 

"When  billows  toss  the  fragile  bark, 
And  fearful  blasts  the  conflict  urge. 

Nought,  nought  appears  but  sea  and  sky, 
No  refuge  where  the  foot  may  flee : 

How  will  he  cast,  O  Rock  divine, 
The  anchor  of  his  soul  on  Thee ! 

L.  n.  Bigocrnet  and  n.  S.  "Washbcrk. 


The  Lighthouse. 

A  MAN  once  built  a  lighthouse, 
And  he  built  it  on  a  rock, 
And  he  boasted  it  should  bear  unscathed 

The  storm's  severest  shock ; 
"  Of  engineers  I  '11  be,"  quoth  he, 

"The  proudest  and  the  first; 
There  stands  my  work,  and  it  shall  stand; 
The  waves  may  do  their  worst." 


w 


THE  LIGHTHO  USE,  6  9 

And  stand  it  did,  amid  the  sea, 

Amid  the  shifting  sand, 
A  fairer  work  to  look  upon 

Ne'er  came  from  mortal  hand. 
Forth  went  the  word !  the  winds  arose, 

The  waves  came  thundering  on, 
At  sundown  it  was  standing, 

The  day  broke,  it  was  gone. 

Another  engineer  then  came, 

A  wiser,  humbler  man, 
One  who  revered  his  Maker's  word, 

And  loved  His  works  to  scan ; 
He  stood  before  a  forest  oak, 

And  marked  its  structure  well, 
He  saw  its  slowly  tapering  height, 

Its  bold  descending  swell. 
He  gave  it  thought,  he  gathered  hope, 

And  like  a  brave  man  there, 
Felt  it  no  shame  to  bow  his  heart 

In  thankfulness  and  prayer. 
To  work  he  went,  and  this  he  graved 

Upon  the  first-laid  stone, 
"  Man  may  build  up,  the  strength  to  stand 

Must  come  from  God  alone." 

Slow  rose  the  work,  but  safely  slow, 
Firm  as  the  rooted  oak ; 


■* 


70  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Day  after  day,  storm  after  storm, 

Above  that  lighthouse  broke ; 
At  last  came  one,  and  seamen  said, 

While  yet  they  saw  it  loom, 
"If  it  stand  this,  why,  it  will  stand 

Until  the  day  of  doom." 

The  storm  passed  on,  long  years  are  gone, 

The  engineer  sleeps  well, 
And  still  around  that  lighthouse  tower, 

The  eddying  billows  swell ; 
And  many  a  tar,  from  many  a  land, 

Through  many  a  stormy  night, 
Still  breathes  a  prayer  for  him  that  reared 

That  Heaven-protected  light. 

W.  H.  Bellamy. 


Rocked  in  the  Cradle  of  the  Deep. 

ROCKED  in  the  cradle  of  the  deep, 
I  lay  me  down  in  peace  to  sleep ; 
Secure  I  rest  upon  the  wave, 
For  Thou,  0  Lord,  hast  power  to  save. 
I  know  Thou  wilt  not  slight  my  call. 
For  Thou  dost  mark  the  sparrow's  fall, 
And  calm  and  peaceful  shall  I  sleep, 
Rocked  in  the  cradle  of  the  deep. 


** 


THE  SPIRITUAL   TEMPLE.  71 

And  such  the  trust  that  still  were  mine, 
Though  stormy  winds  sweep  o'er  the  brine, 
Or  though  the  tempest's  fiery  breath 
Roused  me  from  sleep  to  wreck  and  death ! 
In  ocean  cave,  still  safe  with  Thee, 
The  germ  of  immortality ! 
And  calm  and  peaceful  shall  I  sleep, 
Rocked  in  the  cradle  of  the  deep. 

Mrs.  Willard. 


The  Spiritual  Temple. 

AND  whither  came  these  goodly  stones 
'  T  was  Israel's  pride  to  raise ; 
The  glory  of  the  former  house, 

The  joy  of  ancient  days ; 
In  purity  and  strength  erect, 
In  radiant  splendor  bright, 
Sparkling  with  golden  beams  of  noon, 
Or  silver  smiles  of  night? 

From  coasts  the  stately  cedar  crowns 

Each  noble  slab  was  brought, 
In  Lebanon's  deep  quarries  hewn, 

And  on  its  mountains  wrought ; 
There  rung  the  hammer's  heavy  stroke 

Among  the  echoing  rocks ; 
There  chased  the  chisel's  keen,  sharp  edge, 

The  rude,  unshapen  blocks. 


*■ 


72  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Thence  polished,  perfected,  complete, 

Each  fitted  to  its  place, 
For  lofty  coping,  massive  walls, 

Or  deep  imbedded  b 
They  bore  them  o'er  the  waves  that  rolled 

Their  billowy  swell  between 
The  shores  of  Tyre's  imperial  pride, 

And  Judah's  hills  of  green. 

With  gradual  toil  the  work  went  on, 

Through  days,  and  months,  and  years, 
Beneath  the  Summer's  laughing  sun, 

And  Winter's  frozen  tears. 
And  thus  in  majest}'  sublime 

And  noiseless  pomp  it  rose, 
Fit  dwelling  for  the  God  of  peace, 

A  temple  of  repose. 

Brethren  in  Christ,  to  holier  things 

The  simple  type  apply; 
Our  God  himself  a  temple  builds, 

Eternal,  and  on  high, 
Of  ransomed  souls ;  their  Zion  there, 

That  world  of  light  and  bliss; 
Their  Lebanon,  the  place  of  toil, 

Of  previous  moulding,  this  ! 

From  Nature's  quarries,  deep  and  dark, 
With  gracious  aim  He  hews 


THE  SPIRITUAL  TEMPLE.  73 

The  stones,  the  spiritual  stones, 

It  pleaseth  Him  to  choose ; 
Hard,  rugged,  shapeless  at  the  first, 

Yet  destined  each  to  shine, 
Moulded  beneath  His  patient  hand 

In  purity  divine. 

0  glorious  process  !  see  the  proud 

Grow  lowly,  gentle,  meek; 
See  floods  of  unaccustomed  tears 

Gush  down  the  hardened  cheek : 
Perchance  the  hammer's  heavy  stroke 

O'erthrew  some  idol  fond, 
Perchance  the  chisel  rent  in  twain 

Some  precious,  tender  bond. 

Behold,  he  prays,  whose  lips  were  sealed 

In  quiet  scorn  before ! 
Sighs  for  the  closet's  holy  calm, 

And  hails  the  welcome  door. 
Behold,  he  works  for  Jesus  now, 

Whose  days  went  idly  past ! 
O  for  more  mouldings  of  the  Hand 

That  works  a  change  so  vast ! 

Ye  looked  on  one,  a  well- wrought  stone, 

A  saint  of  God  matured, 
What  chisellings  that  heart  had  felt! 

What  chastening  strokes  endured ! 


»!♦ 


74  nOCK  OF  AGES. 

Bat  marked  ye  not  that  last  soft  touch 
What  perfect  grace  it  gave, 

Ere  Jesus  bore  His  servant  home 
Across  the  darksome  wave? 

Home  to  the  place  His  grace  designed 

That  chosen  soul  to  fill, 
In  the  bright  temple  of  the  saved, 

Upon  His  holy  hill. 
Home  to  the  noiselessness,  the  peace 

Of  those  sweet  shrines  above, 
Whose  stones  shall  never  be  displaced, 

Set  in  redeeming  love. 

Lord,  chisel,  chasten,  polish  us, 

Each  blemish  wash  away  ; 
Cleanse  us  with  purifying  blood, 

In  spotless  robes  array ; 
And  thus,  Thine  image  on  us  stamped, 

Transport  us  to  the  shore 
Where  not  a  stroke  is  ever  felt, 

For  none  is  needed  more. 


Fighting  the  Battle  of  Life. 

FIGHTING  the  battle  of  life, 
With  a  weary  heart  and  bead; 
For  in  the  midst  of  the  strife, 
The  banners  of  joy  are  fled. 


FIGHTING  THE  BATTLE  OF  LIFE.  75 

Fled  and  gone  out  of  sight, 
When  I  thought  they  were  so  near, 

And  the  music  of  hope  this  night 
Is  dying  away  on  my  ear. 

Fighting  the  whole  day  long, 

With  a  very  tired  hand, 
With  only  my  armor  strong,  — 

The  shelter  in  which  I  stand. 

There  is  nothing  left  for  we, 

If  all  my  strength  were  shown, 
So  small  the  amount  would  be, 

Its  presence  could  scarce  be  known. 

Fighting  alone  to-night, 

With  not  e'en  a  stander  by 
To  cheer  me  in  the  fight, 

Or  to  hear  me  when  I  cry. 

Only  the  Lord  can  hear, 

Only  the  Lord  can  see 
The  struggle  within  how  dark  and  drear, 

Though  quiet  the  outside  be. 

Fighting  alone  to-night, 

With  what  a  sinking  heart ; 
Lord  Jesus,  in  the  fight 

O  stand  not  Thou  apart. 


*t 


* 


76  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Body  and  mind  have  tried 

To  make  the  field  my  own ; 
But  when  the  Lord  is  on  my  side, 

lie  doeth  the  work  alone. 

And  when  He  hideth  Ilis  face, 
And  the  battle-clouds  prevail, 

It  is  only  through  His  grace 
That  I  do  not  utterly  fail. 

The  word  of  old  was  true, 

And  its  truth  shall  never  cease, — 

"  The  Lord  shall  fight  for  you, 
And  ye  shall  hold  your  peace." 

Lord,  I  would  fain  be  still 

And  quiet  behind  my  shield  ; 
But  make  me  to  love  Thy  will, 

For  fear  I  should  ever  yield. 

Nothing  but  perfect  trust, 

And  love  of  Thy  perfect  will, 
Can  raise  me  out  of  the  dust, 

And  bid  my  fears  be  stiil. 

Lord,  fix  my  eyes  upon  Thee, 
And  fire  my  heart  with  Thy  love; 

And  keep  my  soul  till  the  shadows  flee, 
And  the  light  breaks  forth  above.        anou. 


* 


HE  GOETH  BEFORE  THEM.  11 


The  Christian's  Conflict. 

BREAST  the  wave,  Christian,  when  it  is  strongest ; 
Watch  for    day,   Christian,  when    the    night's 
longest ; 
Onward  and  onward  still  be  thine  endeavor, 
The  rest  that  remaineth  will  be  forever. 

Fight  the  fight,  Christian,  Jesus  is  o'er  thee; 
Run  the  race,  Christian,  heaven  is  before  thee; 
He  who  hath  promised  faltereth  never, 
The  love  of  eternity  flows  on  forever. 

Raise  the  eye,  Christian,  just  as  it  closeth; 
Lift  the  heart,  Christian,  ere  it  reposeth; 
Thee  from  the  love  of  Christ  nothing  shall  sever, 
Mount  when  thy  work  is  done,  praise   Him  for- 
ever. 

Anon. 


"  He  Goeth  Before  Them." 

THE  winds  blow  fierce  across  the  barren  wild ; 
The  storm-clouds  gather  darkly  on  our  way ; 
'T  is  cold !    But  0,  that  loving  face  and  mild 

Which  goes  before !     There  first  the  shadows  stay ; 
And  tempests  reach  Him  first,  our  Shepherd  there, 
What  He  endures^  shall  we  complain  to  bear  ? 


•* 


78  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

The  night  comes  on,  'tis  dark  ;  the  stars  are  dim  ; 

We  cannot  see  the  way.     But  O.  that  form 
Which  goes  before!     The  sight  comes  first  to  Him, 

And  darkness  first  is  His,  as  was  the  storm : 
Shall  we  shrink  back  or  tremble  to  go  on, 
Where  He,  our  Shepherd,  first  for  us  hath  gone? 

The  way  is  rough,  and  wearying  steeps  arise ; 

And  thorns  are  there  to  wound  our  aching  feet ; 
But  ho,  those  sacred  footsteps,  firm  and  wise, 

Which  go  before !     They  first  the  roughness  meet, 
And  briars  reach  them  first.     O,  shall  we  dread 
To  bear  His  cross,  to  walk  where  He  hath  led? 

The  stream  is  reached,  the  river  dark  and  cold; 

The  waves  are  high.     But  O,  that  mighty  One 
Who  goes  before !     The  billows  o'er  Him  rolled  ; 

He  crossed  the  waters  first;  and  shall  we  shun 
The  final  anguish  which  our  Shepherd  bore? 
His  hand  shall  guide  us  to  the  other  shore. 

He  goes  before !  And  so  we  may  not  look 
Backward  at  all,  but  onward  evermore, 

Keeping  in  sight  the  blessed  path  He  took, 
Patient  to  bear  each  cross  He  meekly  bore, 

Trusting  His  wisdom  in  the  darkest  hour, 

O'ercoming  every  trial  through  His  power. 

Ajjon. 


4* 


*.* 


PEACE.  79 


Press  Forward  and  Fear  Not. 

PRESS  forward  and  fear  not ;  the  billows  may  roll, 
But  the  power  of  Jesus  their  rage  can  control ; 
Though  waves  rise  in  anger,  their  tumult  shall  cease. 
One  word  of  His  bidding  shall  hush  them  to  peace. 

Press  forward  and  fear  not ;  though  trial  be  near, 
The  Lord  is  our  refuge,  —  whom  then  shall  we  fear? 
His  staff  is  our  comfort,  our  safeguard  His  rod ; 
Then  let  us  be  steadfast,  and  trust  in  our  God. 

Press  forward  and  fear  not ;  be  strong  in  the  Lord, 
In  the  power  of  His  promise,  the  truth  of  His  word  ; 
Through  the  sea  and  the  desert  our  pathway  may 

tend, 
But  He  who  hath  saved  us  will  save  to  the  end. 

Press  forward  and  fear  not ;  we'll  speed  on  our  way ; 
Why  should  we  e'er  shrink  from  our  path  in  dismay  ? 
We  tread  but  the  road  which  our  Leader  has  trod ; 
Then  let  us  press  forward,  and  trust  in  our  God. 

Anon. 


Peace. 

FIERCE  were  the  wild  billows, 
Dark  was  the  night ; 
Oars  labored  heavily, 

Foam  glittered  white ; 


w 


80  JIOCK  OF  AGES. 

Mariners  trembled, 

Peril  was  nigh : 
Then  said  the  God  of  God, 

" Peace!     It  is  I." 

Ridge  of  the  mountain  ware, 

Lower  thy  crest; 
"Wail  of  Euroclydon, 

Be  thou  at  rest ; 
Peril  can  none  be, 

Sorrow  must  fly, 
When  saith  the  Light  of  Light, 

"Peace!     It  is  I." 

Jesus,  Deliverer, 

Come  Thou  to  me; 
Soothe  Thou  my  voyaging 

Over  life's  sea. 
Thou,  when  the  storm  of  death 

Roars,  sweeping  by, 
Whisper,  0  Truth  of  Truth ! 

"Peace!    It  is  I." 

Saint  Anatoltus. 

Shadow  and  Substahcb. 

THIS  life  is  like  a  flying  dream, 
Or  like  the  vapor  from  the  stream, 
Or  like  the  grass  that  grows  to-day, 

But  fad  ex  away 
When  winds  across  it  roughly  play. 


*■ 


4  9 


THE  DOVE.  81 

Only  Thyself,  ray  God,  art  Thou 
Just  as  Thou  wert,  my  refuge  Thou, 
Though  rock  and  mountain  be  destroyed, 

There  is  no  void, 
With  Thy  loved  presence  still  enjoyed. 


Upon  my  Saviour  I  would  lean, 
And  learn  as  moments  quickly  fly, 

Self  to  deny, 
Dead  to  the  world,  before  I  die. 

Vain  joys,  away !  yea,  spread  your  wings, 
For  I  have  tasted  better  things ; 
I  seek  a  portion  all  divine, 

Ever  to  shine  : 
Lord  Jesus,  make  me  wholly  Thine. 

Anon. 


The  Dove. 

THERE  was  Hope  in  the  ark  at  the  dawn  of  the 
day, 
When  o'er  the  wide  waters  the  dove  flew  away. 
But  when,  ere  the  night,  she  came  wearily  back 
With  the  leaf  she  had  plucked  on  her  desolate  track, 
The  children  of  Noah  knelt  down  and  adored, 
And  uttered  in  anthems  their  praise  to  the  Lord,  — 
6 


t 


82  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

"  O  bird  of  glad  tidings  !  O  joy  in  our  pain  ! 
Beautiful  dove,  thou  art  welcome  again !  " 

When  peace  has  departed  the  care-stricken  breast. 
And  the  feet  of  the  weary  one  languish  for  rest; 
When  the  world  is  a  wide-spreading  ocean  of  grief. 
How  blest  the  return  of  the  bird  and  the  leaf; 
Reliance  on  God  is  the  dove  to  our  ark, 
And  peace  is  the  olive  she  plucks  in  the  dark. 
The  deluge  abates,  there  is  sun  after  rain, 
Beautiful  dove,  thou  art  welcome  again  ! 

Charles  Mackay. 


Prayer  for  Strength. 

FATHER,  before  Thy  footstool  kneeling, 
Once  more  my  heart  goes  up  to  Thee, 
For  aid,  for  strength,  to  Thee  appealing  — 
Thee,  who  alone  canst  succor  me. 

Hear  me ;  for  heart  and  flesh  are  failing, 
My  spirit  yielding  in  the  strife  ; 

And  anguish,  wild  as  unavailing. 
Sweeps  in  a  flood  across  my  life. 

Help  me  to  stem  the  tide  of  sorrow ; 

Help  me  to  bear  Thy  chastening  rod ; 
Give  me  endurance;  let  me  borrow 

Strength  from  Thy  promise,  O  my  God ! 


* 


PRATER   FOR   STRENGTH.  83 

Not  mine  the  grief  which  words  may  lighten ; 

Not  mine  the  tears  of  common  woe ; 
The  pang  with  which  my  heartstrings  tighten 

Only  th'  All-seeing  One  may  know. 

And  I  am  weak ;  my  feeble  spirit 
Shrinks  from  life's  task  in  wild  dismay ; 

Yet  not  that  Thou  that  task  wouldst  spare  it, 
My  Father,  do  I  dare  to  pray. 

Into  my  soul  Thy  might  infusing, 

Strengthening  my  spirit  by  Thine  own, 

Help  me,  all  other  aid  refusing, 
To  cling  to  Thee,  and  Thee  alone. 

And  O,  in  my  exceeding  weakness, 

Make  Thy  strength  perfect :  Thou  art  strong  ; 
Aid  me  to  do  Thy  will  with  meekness, 

Thou,  to  whom  all  my  powers  belong. 

Saviour,  our  human  form  once  wearing, 

Help  by  the  memory  of  that  day, 
When,  painfully  Thy  dark  cross  bearing, 

E'en  for  a  time  Thy  strength  gave  way. 

Beneath  a  lighter  burden  sinking, 

Jesus,  I  cast  myself  on  Thee ; 
Forgive,  forgive  this  useless  shrinking 

From  trials  that  I  know  must  be. 


84  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

O,  let  me  feel  that  Thou  art  near  me, 
Close  to  my  side,  I  shall  not  fear : 

Hear  me,  0  Strength  of  Israel !  hear  me; 
Sustain  and  aid,  in  mercy  hear. 


Anon. 


Hope  Only  in  Christ. 

WHEN  the  nations  toss  and  roar, 
Like  the  billows  on  the  shore, 
"When  their  chains  the  people  break, 
Leaders  tremble,  monarchs  quake ; 
Midst  the  roaring  of  the  sea, 
Christ,  our  hope  is  all  in  Tbee. 

When  the  nations  are  at  peace, 
And  the  sounds  of  conflict  cease; 
"When  each  port  is  choked  with  wares, 
And  each  field  its  harvest  bears ; 
•  Mid  the  world's  prosperity, 
Christ,  our  hope  is  all  in  Thee. 

While  the  ages  one  by  one 
Roll  beneath  the  rolling  sun  ; 
While  the  powers  of  death  and  life 
Wage  on  earth  a  weary  strife; 
Till  the  coining  dawn  we  see, 
Christ,  our  hope  is  all  in  Thee. 


Anon 


*■ 


IT  IS  li  HE  NOT  AFRAID.  85 


"  It  is  I  ;  Be  Not  Afraid." 

TOSSED  with  rough  winds,  and  faint  with  fear, 
Above  the  tempest,  soft  and  clear, 
What  still,  small  accents  greet  mine  ear? 
'"T  is  I;  be  not  afraid. 


"  'T  is  I,  who  washed  thy  spirit  white; 
'T  is  I,  who  gave  thy  bliud  eyes  sight; 
'  T  is  I,  thy  Lord,  thy  Life,  thy  Light : 
'  T  is  I ;  be  not  afraid. 

"  These  raging  winds,  this  surging  sea, 
Bear  not  a  breath  of  wrath  to  thee ; 
That  storm  has  all  been  spent  on  me  : 
'  T  is  I ;  be  not  afraid." 

"  This  bitter  cup,  I  drank  it  first; 
To  thee,  it  is  no  draught  accurst ; 
The  hand  that  gives  it  thee  is  pierced: 
'  T  is  I ;  be  not  afraid." 

11  Mine  eyes  are  watching  by  thy  bed, 
Mine  arms  are  underneath  thy  head, 
My  blessing  is  around  thee  shed  : 
'  T  is  I :  be  not  afraid." 


86  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

"  When  on  the  other  side,  thy  feet 
Shall  rest '  mid  thousand  welcomes  sweet, 
One  well-known  voice  thy  heart  shall  greet : 
'  T  is  I ;  be  not  afraid." 

From  out  the  dazzling  majesty 
Gently  He  '11  lay  His  hand  on  thee, 
Saving,  "Beloved,  lov'st  thou  me?" 
'T  was  not  in  vain  I  died  for  thee. 
"•TisI;  be  not  afraid." 


Anon. 


Come  to  Me! 

WITH  tearful  eyes  I  look  around  ; 
Life  seems  a  dark  and  stormy  sea ; 
Yet  'midst  the  gloom  I  hear  a  sound, 
A  heavenly  whisper  —  Come  to  Me! 

It  tells  me  of  a  place  of  rest; 

It  tells  me  where  my  soul  may  flee : 
O,  to  the  weary,  faint,  opprest, 

How  sweet  the  bidding  —  Come  to  Me  I 

When  the  poor  heart  with  anguish  learns 
That  earthly  props  resigned  must  be, 

And  from  each  broken  cistern  turns, 
It  hears  the  accents  —  Come  to  Me! 


*■ 


* 


TRUST.  87 

When  against  sin  I  strive  in  vain, 
And  cannot  from  its  yoke  get  free, 

Sinking  beneath  the  heavy  chain, 
The  words  arrest  me  —  Come  to  Me ! 

When  nature  shudders,  loath  to  part 

From  all  I  love,  enjoy,  and  see ; 
When  a  faint  chill  steals  o'er  my  heart, 

A  sweet  voice  utters  —  Come  to  Me ! 

Come,  for  all  else  must  fail  and  die ; 

Earth  is  no  resting-place  for  thee ; 
Heavenward  direct  thy  weeping  eye ; 

I  am  thy  portion  —  Come  to  Me ! 

0  voice  of  mercy,  voice  of  love ! 

In  conflict,  grief,  and  agony, 
Support  me,  cheer  me  from  above, 

And  gently  whisper  —  Come  to  Me  ! 

Charlotte  Elliott. 


Trust. 

THE  child  leans  on  its  parent's  breast, 
Leaves  there  its  cares,  and  is  at  rest : 
The  bird  sits  singing  by  its  nest, 

And  tells  aloud 
His  trust  in  God,  and  so  is  blest 
'  Neath  every  cloud. 


■* 


•>«- 


88  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

He  hath  no  store,  he  sows  no  seed, 
Yet  sings  aloud,  and  doth  not  need; 
By  flowing  streams  or  grassy  mead, 

He  sings  to  shame 
Men,  who  forget,  in  fear  of  need, 

A  Father's  name. 

The  heart  that  trusts  forever  sings, 
And  feels  as  light  as  it  had  wings; 
A  well  of  peace  within  it  springs; 

Come  good  or  ill, 
Whate'er  to-day,  to-morrow  brings, 

It  is  His  will ! 

Isaac  Williams. 


The  Saviour's  Side. 

INHERE  is  an  everlasting  Home 
-    Where  contrite  souls  may  hide, 
Where  death  and  danger  dare  not  come, 
The  Saviour's  side. 

It  was  a  cleft  of  matchless  love 

Opened  when  He  had  died, 
When  mercy  hailed  in  worlds  above 
That  wouuded  side. 


*■ 


TAKE  UP  THY  CROSS,  ETC.  89 

Hail!  Rock  of  Ages,  pierced  for  me, 

The  grave  of  all  my  pride ; 
Hope,  Peace  and  Heaven  are  all  in  Thee, 
Thy  sheltering  side. 

There  issued  forth  the  double  flood, 

The  sin-atoning  tide, 
In  streams  of  water  and  of  blood 
From  that  dear  side. 

There  is  the  only  fount  of  bliss 

In  joy  and  sorrow  tried; 
No  refuge  for  the  heart  like  this, 
A  Saviour's  side. 

Thither  the  Church,  through  all  her  days, 

Points  as  a  faithful  guide, 
And  celebrates  with  ceaseless  praise 
That  spear-pierced  side. 

M.  Bridges. 


"  Take  Up  Thy  Cross,  and  Follow  Me." 

THE  way  seems  long,  dear  Leader,  and  my  feet 
Are  weary,  pressing  oft   these  thorns ;   '  twere 
sweet, 
Mcthinks,  to  rest,  —  this  heavy  cross  remove ; 
Thou  surely  need'st  not  thus  my  love  to  prove. 


90  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

"  Rest  not,  weak  heart,  nor  lay  thy  burden  down, 
For  earth's  short  rest,  would'st  lose  thy  heavenly 
crown  ?  " 

The  way  is  dark,  dear  Leader;  mists  arise 
That  hide  Thy  blessed  presence  from  my  eyes; 
I  stumble  on  this  lonely  mountain  wild. 

0  loving  Father!  spare  me,  spare  Thy  child. 
"  Dost  hear  My  voice?  then  follow  as  I  bade, 
Thou  'rt  safe,  if  firm  on  Me  thy  trust  is  stayed. ■ 

But  I  am  faint,  dear  Leader,  and  I  sink ; 

"  My  steps  are  well  nigh  gone  ";  upon  the  briuk 

1  helpless  fall,  —  put  forth  Thy  mighty  power, 
And  save  me,  loving  Father,  in  this  hour. 
"Drink  freely  of  the  brook  that  floweth  by. 
Then  lift  the  head,  thy  Leader  still  is  nigh." 

And  must  it  thus,  dear  Leader,  ever  be? 
And  may  we  here  no  restiug-place  e'er  see; 
Though  faint  and  weary,  light  or  dark  the  way. 
Press  forward  e'er,  to  reach  heaven's  blessed  day? 
"Enough,  that,  as  the  Master,  thou  should'st  live; 
Faithful  to  death,  thou  Shalt  the  crown  receive." 

Onward,  dear  Jesus  !  safely  by  Thee  led, 
"Faint,  yet  pursuing,"  still  the  path  I  '11  tread: 
Gird  me  with  strength,  then  e'er  my  prayer  shall  be, 
" Father,  e'en  so,  it  seemeth  good  to  Thee"; 


*■ 


*< 


THE  SECRET  PLACE.  91 

"  And  as  thy  days,  thy  strength  shall  ever  be, 
While  heaven's  eternal  glory  waiteth  thee." 

F.  R.  Whiton. 


"  The  Secret  Place." 

THERE  is  a  safe  and  secret  place 
Beneath  the  wings  divine, 
Reserved  for  all  the  heirs  of  grace : 
0,  be  that  refuge  mine ! 

The  least  and  feeblest  there  may  bide, 

Uninjured  and  unawed; 
While  thousands  fall  on  every  side, 

He  rests  secure  in  God. 

He  feeds  in  pastures  large  and  fair, 

Of  love  and  truth  divine ; 
0  child  of  God !  O  glory's  heir! 

How  rich  a  lot  is  thine ! 

A  hand  almighty  to  defend, 

An  ear  for  every  call, 

An  honored  life,  a  peaceful  end, 

And  heaven  to  crown  it  all ! 

Hawlet. 


*■ 


92  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


"  That  Rock  was  Christ." 

INTERNAL  Bock,  to  Thee  I  fly, 
J  In  Thy  rent  Assures  would  I  hide; 
No  rill  of  mercy  flows  to  me, 
But  issues  from  Thy  wounded  side. 

Earth's  fondest  hopes  and  brightest  dreams 

Are  fitful,  fugitive  and  vain  ; 
The  best  of  its  polluted  streams 

I  only  drink  to  thirst  again. 

Forgiveness,  peace,  salvation,  heaven, 

Jesus,  I  owe  alone  to  Thee ; 
The  Rock  whose  clefts  for  me  were  riven, 

The  smitten  one  of  Calvary. 

Anon. 


Is  Tins  All? 

SOMETIMES  I  catch  sweet  glimpses  of  His  face, 
But  that  is  all. 
Sometimes  He  looks  on  me  and  seems  to  smile, 

But  that  is  all. 
Sometimes  He  speaks  a  passing  word  of  peace, 

But  that  is  all. 
Sometimes  I  think  I  hear  His  loviug  voice 
Upon  me  call. 


*- 


^ 


IS  THIS  ALL  7  93 

And  is  this  all  He  meant  when  thus  He  spoke, 

"Come  unto  Me  "? 
Is  there  no  deeper,  more  enduring  rest, 

In  Him  for  thee? 
Is  there  no  steadier  light  for  thee  in  Him? 

0,  come  and  see ! 

0,  come  and  see !  O,  look,  and  look  again ! 

All  shall  be  right ; 
O,  taste  His  love,  and  see  that  it  is  good ! 

Thou  child  of  night. 
O,  trust  Him,  trust  Him  in  His  grace  and  power, 

Then  all  is  bright ! 

Nay,  do  not  wrong  Him  by  thy  heavy  thoughts, 

But  love  His  love ! 
Do  thou  full  justice  to  His  tenderness, 

His  mercy  prove ; 
Take  Him  for  what  He  is ;  O,  take  Him  all, 
And  look  above ! 

Then  shall  thy  tossing  soul  find  anchorage 

And  steadfast  peace ; 
Thy  love  shall  rest  on  His ;  thy  weary  doubts 

Forever  cease. 
Thy  heart  shall  find  in  Him,  and  in  His  grace, 

Its  rest  and  bliss. 


* 


*■ 


94  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Christ  and  His  love  shall  be  thy  blessed  all 

Forevermore ! 
Christ  and  His  light  shall  shine  on  all  thy  ways 

Forevermore ! 

Christ  and  His  peace  shall  keep  thy  troubled  soul 

Forevermore ! 

Bonar. 


"The  Rock  that  is  Higher  than  I." 

LEAD  me  to  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I, 
In  its  shelter  I  '11  hide  while  the  storm  passes  by ; 
I  '11  yield,  like  the  floweret  that  bends  to  the  gale, 
And  bow  without  breaking  while  tempests  assail : 
Then  rising  anew  when  the  storm  is  o'erpast, 
Adore  Him  who  sends  both  the  storm  and  the  blast. 

Lead  me  to  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I, 
When  the  glare  of  the  noontide  is  high  in  the  sky, 
When  faint  from  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day, 
O,  lend  me  Thy  screen  from  the  sun's  burning  ray ; 
Within  Thy  cool  shadow  my  altar  I  '11  raise, 
And  send  up  the  incense  of  prayer  and  of  praise. 

Lead  me  to  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I, 

Where  my  path  through  the  desert  is  scorching  and 

dry, 
My  spirit  shall  find  her  deep  cravings  supplied 
In  the  streams  of  salvation  that  flow  from  Thy  side ; 


*:• 


DARK  IS  THE  WATERY  WAY.  95 

I  '11  bathe  where  Thy  waters  refreshingly  stray, 
And  thence  with  rejoicing  go  forth  on  my  way. 

0,  draw  me,  kind  Father,  in  faith  to  Thy  side, 

In  Thy  secret  pavilion  I  fain  would  abide ; 

My  covert  in  danger,  my  screen  from  the  heat, 

My  spirit's  refreshment,  my  one  sure  retreat ; 

0  strong  Rock  of  Ages,  my  frailty  sustain, 

Though  mountains  should  crumble,  Thou  still  shalt 

remain. 

Anon. 


Dark  is  the  "Watery  Way. 

DARK  is  the  watery  way 
Of  life's  tempestuous  sea; 
And  none,  0  Christ !  are  safe,  but  they 
Who  put  their  trust  in  Thee. 

Loud  is  the  stormy  wind ; 

The  seamen  are  afraid ; 
But  those  shall  strength  and  mercy  find, 

Whose  souls  on  Christ  are  stayed. 

The  winds  they  do  not  fear 
Nor  dread  the  thunder's  noise; 

The  Saviour's  cheering  voice  they  hear; 
And  evermore  rejoice. 


4> 


96  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

It  is  our  Saviour's  skill. 
Our  Saviour's  arm  of  might, 

Which  guides  the  tossing  ship  at  will 
And  puts  our  fears  to  llight. 

Praise  to  the  Pilot's  power ! 

Praise  to  the  Pilot's  hand ! 
That,  faithful  most  in  danger's  hour, 

Shall  bring  us  safe  to  land. 


Anoji. 


A  Present  Help. 

Y1TE  may  not  climb  the  heavenly  steeps 

1  "     To  bring  the  Saviour  down; 

In  vain  we  search  the  lowest  deeps, 

For  Him  no  depth  can  drown. 

But  warm,  sweet,  tender,  even  yet 

A  present  help  is  He ; 
And  faith  has  yet  its  Olivet, 

And  love  its  Galilee. 

The  healing  of  His  seamless  dress 

Is  by  our  beds  of  pain ; 
We  touch  Him  in  life's  throng  and  press, 

And  we  are  whole  again. 


* 


THE  ANGEL  OF  PATIENCE.  97 

Through  Him  the  first  fond  prayers  are  said 

Our  lips  of  childhood  frame, 
The  last  low  whispers  of  our  dead 

Are  burdened  with  His  name. 

O  Lord  and  Master  of  us  all ! 

Whate'er  our  name  or  sign, 
We  own  Thy  sway,  we  hear  Thy  call, 

We  test  our  lives  by  Thine. 

Whittier. 


The  Angel  of  Patience. 

A  GENTLE  Angel  walketh  around  this  world  of 
woe, 
With  messages  of  mercy  to  mourning  hearts  below ; 
His  peaceful  smile  invites  them  to    love   and    to 

confide, 
0   follow    in  His    footsteps,  keep   closely  by  His 
side. 

So  gently  will  He  lead  thee  through  all  the  cloudy 

day, 
And  whisper  of  glad  tidings  to  cheer  the  pilgrim's 

way; 
His  courage  never  failing,  when  theirs  is  almost 

gone, 
He  takes  thy  heavy  burden  and  helps  to  bear  :'t  on. 


■4* 


>* 


98  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

To  soft  and  tearful  sadness  He  changes  dumb  des- 
pair, 

And  soothes  to  deep  submission  the  storm  of  grief 

and  care ; 
Where  midnight  shades  are  brooding,  He  pours  the 

light  of  noon, 
And  every  grievous  wound  He  heals  most  surely,  if 

not  soon. 

He  will  not  blame  thy  sorrow,  while  He  brings  the 

healing  balm ; 
He  does  not  chide  thy  longings,  while  He  soothes 

them  into  calm ; 
And  when  thy  heart  is  murmuring,  and  wildly  asking 

why, 
He,  smiling,  beckons  forward,  points  upward  to  the 

sky. 

He  will  not  always  answer  thy  questions  and  thy 

fear, 
His  watchword  is  "Be  patient,  the  journey's  end  is 

near ! " 
And  ever  through  the  toilsome  way,  He  tells  of  joys 

to  come, 
And  points  the  pilgrim  to  his  rest,  the  wanderer  tc 

his  home. 

Anon. 


YEN LY  LIFE.  99 


Heavenly  Life. 

OTHOU  who  hearest  prayer, 
The  God  of  power  and  might, 
To  seek  Thy  face  be  all  our  care, 

Our  whole  delight. 
O  God  of  grace  and  love ! 

Regard  us  from  Thy  throne ; 
Send  down  to  us  the  heavenly  Dove, 
Seal  us  Thine  own. 

We  have  no  other  trust, 

But  Thy  dear  sacrifice ; 
Our  hope,  Thou  holy  One  and  just, 

Do  not  despise ; 
Sinful,  we  plead  Thy  blood, 

Weak,  we  implore  Thy  power ; 
Saviour,  remember  us  for  good 

In  danger's  hour. 


Come  with  Thy  saving  strength, 

With  healing  virtue  come, 
And  let  Thy  guiding  hand  at  length 

Conduct  us  home  : 
Till  saved  from  all  annoy 

Of  earthly  fear  and  strife, 
We  enter  into  endless  joy, 

And  heavenly  life. 


■* 


100  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


The  Sinner's  Friend. 

OTIIOU,  the  contrite  sinner's  Friend, 
Who  loving,  lov'st  them  to  the  end, 
On  this  alone  ray  hopes  depend, 
That  Thou  wilt  plead  for  me ! 


When,  weary  in  the  Christian  race, 
Far  off  appears  my  resting-place, 
And  fainting,  I  mistrust  Thy  grace, 
Then,  Saviour,  plead  for  me ! 

When  I  have  erred  and  gone  astray 
Afar  from  Thine  and  wisdom's  way, 
And  see  no  glimmering  guiding  ray, 
Still,  Saviour,  plead  for  me  ! 

When  Satan,  by  my  sins  made  bold, 
Strives  from  Thy  cross  to  loose  my  hold, 
Then  with  Thy  pitying  arms  enfold, 
And  plead,  O,  plead  for  me ! 

And  when  my  dying  hour  draws  near, 
Darkened  witli  anguish,  guilt,  and  fear, 
Then  to  my  fainting  sight  appear, 
Pleading  in  heaven  for  me  I 


* 


•* 


HYMN,  101 

When  the  fiill  light  of  heavenly  day 
Reveals  my  sins  in  dread  array, 
Say,  Thou  hast  washed  them  all  away ; 
O,  say,  Thou  plead'st  for  me  ! 

Charlotte  Elliott. 


Hymn. 

OHOLY  Saviour !  Friend  unseen, 
The  faint,  the  weak,  on  Thee  may  lean; 
Help  me,  throughout  life's  varying  scene, 
By  faith  to  cling  to  Thee  ! 

Blest  with  communion  so  divine, 
Take  what  Thou  wilt,  shall  I  repine, 
When,  as  the  branches  to  the  vine, 
My  soul  may  cling  to  Thee  ? 

Far  from  her  home,  fatigued,  opprest, 
Here  she  has  found  a  place  of  rest, 
An  exile  still,  yet  not  unblest, 
While  she  can  cling  to  Thee ! 

Without  a  murmur  I  dismiss 

My  former  dreams  of  earthly  bliss ; 

My  joy,  my  recompense  be  this, 


102  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

What  though  the  world  deceitful  prove, 
And  earthly  Mends  and  joys  remove, 
With  patient,  uncomplaining  love, 
Still  would  I  cling  to  Thee ! 

Oft  when  I  seem  to  tread  aloue 
Some  barren  waste  with  thorns  o'ergrown, 
A  voice  of  love,  in  gentlest  tone, 
Whispers,  "  Still  cling  to  Me  !  " 

Though  faith  and  hope  awhile  be  tried, 
I  ask  not,  need  not,  aught  beside; 
How  safe,  how  calm,  how  satisfied, 
The  souls  that  cling  to  Thee  ! 

They  fear  not  life's  rough  storms  to  brave, 
Since  Thou  art  near,  and  strong  to  save ; 
Nor  shudder  e'en  at  death's  dark  wave, 
Because  they  cling  to  Thee ! 

Blest  is  my  lot,  whate'er  befall ; 
What  can  disturb  me,  who  appal, 
While,  as  my  strength,  my  rock,  my  all, 
Saviour,  I  cling  to  Thee  ? 

Charlotte  Elliott. 


* 


A 


UNDERTAKE  FOR  ME.  103 

Undertake  For  Me! 
S  those  that  watch  for  the  dav, 


Through  the  restless  night  of  pain, 
When  the  first  faint  streaks  of  gray 

Bring  rest  and  ease  again ; 
As  they  turn  their  sleepless  eyes 

The  Eastern  sky  to  see, 
Long  hours  before  sunrise, 

So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee. 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 

Through  the  long,  long  night  of  grief, 
When  the  soul  can  only  pray 

That  the  day  may  bring  relief, 
When  the  eyes,  with  weeping  spent, 

No  dawn  of  hope  can  see, 
But  the  heart  keeps  watch  intent, 

So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee. 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 

Through  that  deepest  night  of  all, 
When  trembling  and  sin  have  sway, 

And  the  shades  of  Thy  absence  fall ; 
As  they  search  through  clouds  of  fear 

The  Morning  Star  to  see, 
And  the  Light  of  Life  appear, 

So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee. 


104  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 

And  know  that  the  day  will  rise, 
Though  the  weary  hours  delay, 

As  they  pa>s  under  midnight  skies; 
Though  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 

Only  Faith's  eye  can  see, 
Because  Thou  hast  promised  to  bless, 

Lord  Jesus,  I  wait  for  Thee. 


Anon. 


He  Leads  Us  On. 

HE  leads  us  on, 
By  paths  we  did  not  know ; 
Upward  He  leads  us,  though  our  steps 
be  slow. 
Though  oft  we  faint  and  falter  on  the  way. 
Though  storms  and  darkness  oft  obscure  the  day, 
Yet,  when  the  clouds  are  gone, 
We  know  He  leads  us  on. 

He  leads  us  on 
Through  all  the  unquiet  years  ; 

Past  all  our  dreamland  hopes,  and  doubts,  and  fears, 
He  guides  our  steps.  Through  all  the  tangled  maze 
Of  sin,  of  sorrow,  and  o'erclouded  days. 

We  know  His  will  is  done ; 

And  still  He  leads  us  on. 


* 


SERVING    GOD.  105 

And  He,  at  last, 

After  the  weary  strife,  — 

After  the  restless  fever  we  call  life, 
After  the  dreariness,  the  aching  pain, 
The  wayward  struggles  which  have  proved  in  vain, 

After  our  toils  are  past, 

Will  give  us  rest  at  last. 


Serving  God. 

ONOT  to  fill  the  mouth  of  Fame 
5  My  longing  soul  is  stirred; 
O,  give  me  a  diviner  name,  — 
Call  me  thy  servant,  Lord. 

Sweet  title,  that  delighteth  me, 
Rank  earnestly  implored ; 

O,  what  can  reach  my  dignity  ? 
I  am  thy  servant,  Lord. 

No  longer  would  my  soul  be  known 
As  self-sustained  and  free ; 

0,  not  mine  own;  O,  not  mine  own; 
Lord,  I  belong  to  Thee. 

In  each  aspiring  burst  of  prayer, 
Sweet  leave  my  soul  would  ask 

Thine  every  burden,  Lord,  to  bear, 
To  do  Thine  every  task. 


►H 


106  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Forever,  Lord,  thy  servant  ehoose; 

Nought  of  thy  claim  abate; 
The  glorious  name  I  would  not  lose, 

Nor  change  the  BWeet  estate. 

In  life,  in  death,  on  earth,  in  heaven, 

No  other  name  for  me  ; 
The  same  sweet  style  aud  title  given 

Through  all  eternity. 


Ye  are  not  Your  Own. 

ONOT  my  own  these  verdant  hills, 
•  And  fruits  and  flowers,  and  stream  and  wood, 
But  His,  who  all  with  glory  fills, 

Who  bought  me  with  His  precious  blood. 

O,  not  my  own  this  wondrous  frame, 

Its  curious  work,  its  living  soul, 
But  His,  who  for  my  ransom  came, 

Slain  for  my  sake,  He  claims  the  whole. 

0,  not  my  own  the  grace  that  keeps 

My  feet  from  fierce  temptations  free; 
O.  not  my  own  the  thought  that  leaps, 
to  Thee. 


*■ 


* 


LORD!    UNTO  THEE  WE  CRY.  107 

O,  "  not  my  own,"  I  '11  soar  and  sing, 

When  life  with  all  its  toils  is  o'er ; 
And  Thou  thy  trembling  lamb  shalt  bring 

Safe  home,  to  wander  never  more. 

S.  F.  Smith. 


Lord!  unto  Thee  we  Cry. 

LORD !  unto  Thee  we  cry, 
When  trouble  o'er  us  steals, 
Our  refuge  is  on  high, 

Our  trust  Thy  love  reveals ; 
To  Thee  alone  we  bend, 

For  Thine  alone  the  power, 
Our  Father  and  our  Friend, 
In  sorrow's  darkest  hour ! 


Lord !  unto  Thee  we  cry, 

For  whither  should  we  go? 
The  fount  is  never  dry 

From  whence  Thy  mercies  flow. 
Grant  that  those  sacred  streams 

Of  Thine  eternal  love 
May  waft  us  from  our  dreams 

To  sunnier  shores  above. 

J.  E.  Carpenter. 


* 


108  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


"  All  Things  are  Yours." 

IF  God  is  mine,  then  present  things, 
And  things  to  come,  tire  mine; 
Yea,  Chri>t,  His  Word,  and  Spirit  too, 
And  glory  all  divine. 


If  He  is  mine,  then  from  His  love 

He  every  trouble  sends; 
All  things  are  working  for  my  good, 

And  bliss  His  rod  attends. 

If  He  is  mine,  I  need  not  fear 
The  rage  of  earth  and  hell ; 

He  will  support  my  feeble  power, 
And  every  foe  repel. 

If  He  is  mine,  let  friends  forsake, 
Let  wealth  and  honor  flee ; 

Sure  He  who  giveth  me  Himself, 
Is  more  than  these  to  me. 

If  He  is  mine,  I'll  boldly  pass 
Through  death's  dark,  gloomy  vale; 

He  is  solid  comfort,  when 
All  other  comforts  fail. 


THUS  FAR  THE  LORD  HATH  LED  US.       109 

O  tell  me,  Lord,  that  Thou  art  mine ; 

What  can  I  wish  beside  ? 
My  soul  shall  at  the  Fountain  live, 

When  all  the  streams  are  dried. 


Thus  Far  the  Lord  Hath  Led  Us. 

'  PHUS  far  the  Lord  hath  led  us,  in  darkness  and  in 

X         day, 

Through  all  the  varied  stages  of  the  narrow  home- 
ward way ; 

Long  since  He  took  that  journey,  He  trod  that  path 
alone, 

Its  trials  and  its  dangers  full  well  Himself  hath 
known. 


Thus  far  the  Lord  hath  led  us ;  the  promise  has  not 

failed, 
The  enemy  encountered  oft  has  never  quite  prevailed ; 
The  shield  of  faith  has  turned  aside,  or  quenched 

each  fiery  dart, 
The  Spirit's  sword  in  weakest  hands  has  forced  him 

to  depart. 

Thus  far  the  Lord  hath  led  us ;  the  waters  have  been 

high, 
But  yet  in  passing  through  them,  we  felt  that  He 

was  nigh. 


** 


110  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

A  very  present  helper  in  troubles  we  have  found. 
His  comforts  most  abounded  when  our  sorrows  did 
abound. 

Thus  far  the  Lord  hath  led  us ;  our  need  hath  been 
supplied, 

And  mercy  has  encompassed  us  about  on  every 
side, 

Still  falls  the  daily  manna,  the  pure  rock-fountains 
flow, 

And  many  flowers  of  love  and  hope  along  the  way- 
side grow. 

Thus  far  the  Lord  hath  led  us  ;  and  will  He  now  for- 
sake 

The  feeble  ones  whom  for  His  own  it  pleased  Him 
to  take  ? 

O,  never,  never!  earthly  friends  may  cold  and 
faithless  prove, 

But  His  is  changeless  pity  and  everlasting  love. 

Calmly  we  look  behind  us,  on  joys  and  sorrows 

past, 
We  know  that  all  is  mercy  now,  and  shall  be  well  at 

last; 
Calmly  we  look  before  us,  —  we  fear  no  future  ill.  — 
Enough  for  safety  and  for  peace,  if  Thou  art  witb 

us  still. 


►  «" 


* 


THE  LORD  ON  THE    WATERS.  Ill 

Yes,  "They  that  know  Thy  name,  Lord,  shall  put 
their  trust  in  Thee," 

While  nothing  in  themselves  but  sin  and  helpless- 
ness they  see. 

The  race  Thou  hast  appointed  us,  with  patience  we 
can  run, 

Thou  wilt  perform  unto  the  end,  the  work  Thou  hast 
begun. 


The  Lord  ox  the  Waters. 

HE  sitteth  o'er  the  waterfloods, 
And  He  is  strong  to  save ; 
He  sitteth  o'er  the  waterfloods, 
And  guides  each  drifting  wave. 

Though  loud  around  the  vessel's  prow 
The  waves  may  toss  and  break, 

Yet  at  His  word  they  sink  to  rest 
As  on  a  tranquil  lake. 

He  sitteth  o'er  the  waterfloods, 
When  waves  of  sorrow  rise ; 

And  while  He  holds  the  bitter  cup 
He  wipes  the  tearful  eyes. 

He  knows  how  long  the  wilful  heart 
Requires  the  chastening  grief; 

And  soon  as  sorrow's  work  is  done, 
'T  is  He  who  sends  relief. 


112  ROCK  OF  ACES. 

lie  sitteth  o'er  the  waterfloods, 

As  in  the  days  of  old; 
When  o'er  the  Saviour's  sinless  head 

The  waves  and  billows  rolled. 

Yes,  all  the  billows  passed  o'er  Him; 

Our  sins  —  they  bore  Him  down  ; 
For  us  He  met  the  crushing  storm  — 

He  met  th'  Almighty's  frown. 

He  sitteth  o'er  the  waterfloods;  — 
Then  doubt  and  fear  no  more, 

For  He  who  passed  through  all  the  storms 
Has  reached  the  heavenly  shore. 

And  every  tempest-driven  bark, 

With  Jesus  for  its  guide, 
Will  soon  be  moored  in  harbor  calm, 

In  glory  to  abide. 


Prayer. 

HOW  purely  true,  how  deeply  warm, 
The  inly-breathed  appeal  may  be, 
Though  adoration  wears  no  form, 

In  upraised  hand  or  bended  knee ! 
One  Spirit  fills  all  boundless  space, 

No  limit  to  the  when  or  where; 
And  little  recks  the  time  or  place 
That  leads  the  sc  ul  to  praise  and  prayer. 


*• 


w 


PRAYER.  113 

Father  above,  Almighty  One, 

Creator,  is  that  worship  vain 
That  hails  each  mountain  as  Thy  throne, 

And  finds  a  universal  fane? 
When  shining  stars,  or  spangled  sod, 

Call  forth  devotion,  who  shall  dare 
To  blame,  or  tell  me  that  a  God 

Will  never  deign  to  hear  such  prayer? 

0,  prayer  is  good,  when  many  pour 

Their  voices  in  one  solemn  tone ; 
Conning  their  sacred  lessons  o'er, 

Or  yielding  "hanks  for  mercies  shown. 
'  T  is  good  to  see  the  quiet  train 

Forget  their  worldly  joy  and  care, 
While  loud  response  and  choral  strain 

Re-echo  An  the  house  of  prayer. 

But  often  have  I  stood  to  mark 

The  setting  sun  and  closing  flower ; 
When  silence  and  the  gathering  dark 

Shed  holy  calmness  o'er  the  hour. 
Lone  oa  the  hills,  my  soul  confessed 

More  rapt  and  burning  homage  there, 
And  served  the  Maker  it  addressed 

With  stronger  zeal  and  closer  prayer. 

When  watching  those  we  love  and  prize 
Till  all  of  life  and  hope  be  fled ; 

8 


* 


t+ 


114  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

When  we  have  gazed  on  sightless  eyes, 
And  gently  stayed  the  falling  he:i«l ; 

Then  what  can  sooth  the  stricken  heart, 
What  solace  overcome  despair; 

What  earthly  breathing  can  impart 
Such  healing  balm  as  lonely  prayer? 

When  fears  and  perils  thicken  fast, 

And  many  dangers  gather  round ; 
When  human  aid  is  vain  and  past, 

No  mortal  refuge  to  be  found; 
Then  can  we  firmly  lean  on  Heaven, 

And  gather  strength  to  meet  and  bear ; 
No  matter  where  the  storm  has  driven, 

A  saving  anchor  lives  in  prayer. 

O  God !  how  beautiful  the  thought, 

How  merciful  the  blest  decree, 
That  Grace  can  e'er  be  found  when  sought, 

Aud  nought  shut  out  the  soul  from  Thee. 
The  cell  may  cramp,  the  fetters  gall, 

The  flame  may  scorch,  the  rack  may  tear, 
But  torture-stake,  or  prison-wall, 

Can  be  endured  with  Faith  aud  Prayer. 

In  desert  wilds,  in  midnight  gloom ; 

In  grateful  joy.  in  trying  pain; 
In  laughing  youth,  or  nigh  the  tomb; 

O,  when  is  prayer  unheard  or  vain? 


*- 


THE  LOT  OF  LIFE.  115 

The  Infinite,  the  King  of  kings, 
Will  never  heed  the  when  or  where 

He  '11  ne'er  reject  the  heart  that  brings 
The  offering  of  fervent  prayer. 

Emza  Cook. 


The  Lot  of  Life. 

1KN0W  not  if  the  dark  or  bright 
Shall  be  my  lot ; 
If  that  wherein  my  hopes  delight 
Be  best  or  not. 


It  may  be  mine  to  drag  for  years 

Toil's  heavy  chain ; 
Or  day  and  night  my  meat  be  tears, 

On  bed  of  pain. 

Dear  faces  may  surround  my  hearth 
With  smiles  and  glee ; 

Or  I  may  dwell  alone,  and  mirth 
Be  strange  to  me. 

My  bark  is  wafted  to  the  strand 

By  breath  divine, 
And  on  the  helm  there  rests  a  Hand 

Other  than  mine. 


*- 


1 1  G  ROCK  OF  AG E8. 

One  who  lias  known  in  storms  to  sail 

I  have  on  board  ; 
Above  the  raging  of  the  gale 

I  hear  my  Lord. 

He  holds  me  when  the  billows  smite; 

I  shall  not  fall : 
If  sharp,  't  is  short  ;  if  long,  't  is  light; 

lie  tempers  all. 

Safe  to  the  land,  safe  to  the  land  : 

The  end  is  this  ; 
And  then  with  Him  go  hand  in  hand 

Far  into  bliss. 

Dean  Alvord. 


Tiie  Blind  Spinner. 

LIKE  a  blind  spinner,  in  the  sun, 
I  tread  my  days; 
I  know  that  all  the  threads  will  run 

Appointed  ways  ■ 
I  know  each  day  will  mark  its  task, 
And,  being  blind,  no  more  I  ask. 

I  do  not  know  the  use  or  name, 

Of  that  I  spin, 
I  only  know  that  some  one  came 

And  laid  within 


*• 


* 


THE  BLIND  SPINNER.  117 

My  hand,  the  threads,  and  said,  "  Since  you 
Are  blind,  but  one  thing  you  can  do." 

Sometimes  the  threads  so  rough,  and  fast, 

And  tangled  fly, 
I  know  wild  storms  are  sweeping  past, 

And  fear  that  I 
Shall  fall,  but  dare  not  try  to  find 
A  safer  place,  since  I  am  blind. 

I  know  not  why,  but  I  am  sure, 

That  tints  and  place  — 
In  some  great  fabric  to  endure 

Past  time  and  race  — 
These  threads  will  have,  —  so  from  the  first, 
Though  blind,  I  never  felt  accursed. 

1  think,  perhaps  this  trust  has  sprung 

From  one  short  word, 
Said  over  me  when  I  was  young,  - 

So  young  I  heard 
It,  knowing  not  that  God  designed 
And  sealed  me  His,  though  I  was  blind. 

But  whether  there  be  seal  or  sign, 

Within,  without, 
It  matters  not,  the  bond  divine 

I  never  doubt ; 


■* 


►fi- 


lls ROCK  OF  AGES. 

I  know  He  set  me  here,  and  still 

And  glad,  though  blind,  I  wait  Hifl  will,  — 

But  listen,  listen,  day  by  day 

To  hear  the  tread 
Of  those  who  come  to  bear  away 

The  finished  web,  and  cut  the  thread, 
And  bring  God's  message,  in  the  sun, 
"Rest,  poor,  blind  spinner,  work  is  done." 


Leave  God  to  order  all  thy  Ways. 

LEAVE  God  to  order  all  thy  ways, 
And  hope  in  Him,  whate'er  betide; 
Thou  'It  find  Him  in  the  evil  days 

An  all-sufficient  strength  and  guide. 
Who  trusts  in  God's  unchanging  love, 
Builds  on  the  Rock  that  nought  can  move. 

What  can  these  anxious  cares  avail  — 
These  never-ceasing  raoaus  and  sighs  ? 

What  can  it  help  us  to  bewail 
Each  painful  moment  as  it  flies? 

Our  cross  and  trials  do  but  press 

The  heavier  for  our  bitterness. 

Only  your  restless  heart  keep  still, 
And  wait  in  cheerful  hope,  content 


LEAVE  GOD  TO  ORDER  ALL  THY  WA1 S.      119 

To  take  whate'er  His  gracious  will, 
His  all-discerning  love,  has  sent; 
Nor  doubt  our  inmost  wants  are  known 
To  Him  who  chose  us  for  His  own ! 

He  knows  when  joyful  hours  are  best; 

He  sends  them  as  He  sees  it  meet ; 
When  thou  hast  borne  its  fiery  test, 

And  now  art  freed  from  all  deceit, 
He  comes  to  thee  all  unaware, 
And  makes  thee  own  His  loving  care. 

Nor,  in  the  heat  of  pain  and  strife, 
Think  God  hath  cast  thee  off  unheard; 

Nor  that  the  man  whose  prosperous  life 
Thou  enviest,  is  of  Him  preferred. 

Time  passes,  and  much  change  doth  bring, 

And  sets  a  bound  to  everything. 

All  are  alike  before  His  face  : 

'  T  is  easy  to  our  God  most  high 
To  make  the  rich  man  poor  and  base, 

To  give  the  poor  man  wealth  and  joy. 
True  wonders  still  of  Him  are  wrought, 
Who  setteth  up  and  brings  to  nought ! 

Sing,  pray,  and  swerve  not  from  His  ways, 

But  do  thine  own  part  faithfully ; 
Trust  His  rich  promises  of  grace, 

So  shall  it  be  fulfilled  in  thee  : 


* 


120  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

God  never  yet  forsook  at  need 
The  soul  that  trusted  Him  indeed  ! 

George  Nelmarr. 


Trust. 

I  DO  not  doubt  my  safety  —  that  Thy  hand 
Will  still  uphold  me,  even  to  the  last, 
And  that  my  feet  on  Canaan's  hill  shall  stand, 

When  the  long  wilderness  is  overpast ; 
But  often  faith  is  weak,  and  hope  is  low; 
Forward,  indeed,  but  faint  and  wearily  I  go. 

I  do  not  doubt  Thy  love,  my  Lord  and  God, 
The  love  which  suffered  and  which  died  for  me, 

The  love  that  sought  me  on  the  downward  road, 
Unclasped  the  fetters,  set  the  captive  free! 

But  mine  seems  now  so  languid,  dull  and  cold  — 

0  for  the  blissful  hours  which  I  have  known  of  old! 

1  do  not  doubt,  unworthy  though  I  be, 
Thy  worthiness,  my  Saviour,  is  my  own ! 

One  of  Thy  many  mansions  is  for  me, 

In  the  good  land  where  sorrow  is  unknown; 
But  often  clouds  obscure  the  distant  seen.'. 
And   from  the  flood  I  shrink,   which  darkly  rolls 
between. 


*- 


BE  THOU  CONTENT.  121 

Lord !  at  the  evening  time  let  there  be  light ; 

Unveil  Thy  presence,  bid  all  darkness  fly ; 
Surely,  ere  now,  far  spent  must  be  the  night, 

The  morning  comes,  the  journey's  end  is  nigh; 
Renew  my  strength,  what  yet  remains  to  run, 
Till  glory  crown  the  work  which  Grace  has  here 
begun. 


Be  Thou  Content. 

BE  thou  content ;  be  still  before 
His  face,  at  whose  right  hand  doth  reign 
Fullness  of  joy  for  evermore, 

Without  whom  all  thy  toil  is  vain. 
He  is  thy  living  spring,  thy  sun,  whose  rays 
Make  glad  with  life  and  light  thy  dreary  days. 
Be  thou  content. 

In  Him  is  comfort,  light,  and  grace, 
And  changeless  love  beyond  our  thought ; 

The  sorest  pang,  the  worst  disgrace, 
If  He  is  there,  shall  harm  thee  not. 

He  can  lift  off  thy  cross,  and  loose  thy  bands, 

And  calm  thy  fears,  nay,  death  is  in  His  hands. 
Be  thou  content. 

Or  art  thou  friendless  and  alone, 
Hast  none  in  whom  thou  canst  confide  ? 


122  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

God  careth  for  thee,  lonely  one, 

Comfort  and  help  will  He  provide. 
He  sees  thy  sorrows,  and  thy  hidden  grief, 
He  knoweth  when  to  send  thee  quiek  relief. 
Be  thou  content. 

The  heart's  outspoken  pain  He  knows, 

Thy  secret  sighs  He  hears  full  well; 
What  to  none  else  thou  dar'st  disclose 

To  Him  thou  may'st  with  boldness  tell. 
He  is  not  far  away,  but  ever  nigh, 
And  answereth  willingly  the  poor  man's  cry. 
Be  thou  content. 

Be  not  o'er-mastered  by  thy  pain, 

But  cling  to  God,  thou  shalt  not  fall ; 
The  floods  sweep  over  thee  in  vain. 

Thou  yet  shalt  rise  above  them  all ; 
For  when  thy  trial  seems  too  hard  to  bear, 
Lo!  God,  thy  King,  hath  granted  all  thy  prayer. 
Be  thou  content. 

Why  art  thou  full  of  anxious  fear, 
How  thou  shalt  be  sustained  and  fed  ? 

He  who  hath  made,  and  placed  thee  here 
Will  give  thee  needful  daily  bread. 

Canst  thou  not  trust  His  rich  and  bounteous  hand, 

Who  feeds  all  living  things  on  sea  and  land? 
Be  thou  content. 


* 


w 


BE  THOU  CONTENT.  123 

He  who  doth  teach  the  little  birds 

To  find  their  meat  in  field  and  wood, 
Who  gives  the  countless  flocks  and  herds 

Each  day  their  needful  drink  and  food, 
Thy  hunger  too,  will  surely  satisfy, 
And  all  thy  wants  in  His  good  time  supply. 
Be  thou  content. 


Say'st  thou,  I  know  not  how  or  where, 

Nor  help  I  see,  where'er  I  turn; 
When  of  all  else  we  most  despair, 

The  riches  of  God's  love  we  learn. 
When  thou  and  I  His  hand  no  longer  trace, 
He  leads  us  forth  into  a  pleasant  place. 
Be  thou  content. 

Though  long  His  promised  aid  delay, 

At  last  it  will  be  surely  sent : 
Though  thy  heart  sink  in  sore  dismay, 

The  trial  for  thy  good  is  meant. 
What  we  have  won  with  pains,  we  hold  most  fast, 
What  tarrieth  long,  is  sweeter  at  the  last 
Be  thou  content. 

Lay  not  to  heart  whate'er  of  ill 

Thy  foes  may  falsely  speak  of  thee, 
Let  man  defame  thee  as  he  will, 

God  hears,  and  judges  righteously. 


121  HOCK  OF  AGES. 

Why  should'st  thou  fear,  if  God  be  on  thy  side, 
Man's  cruel  anger  or  malicious  pride? 
Be  thou  content. 

We  know  for  us  a  rest  remains, 

When  God  will  give  as  Bweet  release 
From  earth  and  all  our  mortal  chains, 
And  turn  our  sufferings  into  peace. 
Sooner  or  later  death  will  sorely  come 
To  end  our  sorrows  and  to  take  us  home. 
Be  thou  content. 

Lyra  Germanic  a 


He  Doetii  all  Things  Well. 

WHATE'ER  my  God  ordains  is  right! 
His  will  is  ever  just; 
Howe'er  He  orders  now  my  cause, 
I  will  be  still  and  trust. 
He  is  my  God, 
Though  dark  my  road; 
He  holds  me  that  I  shall  not  fall, 
Wherefore  to  Him  I  leave  it  all. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right! 

He  never  will  deceive  ; 
He  leads  me  b}T  the  proper  path, 
And  so  to  Him  I  cleave, 
And  take,  content, 
What  He  hath  sent ;  — 


*- 


-* 


HE  DOETH  ALL   THINGS  WELL.  125 

His  hand  can  turn  my  griefs  away, 
And  patiently  I  wait  His  day. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right ! 

He  taketh  thought  for  me ; 
The  cup  that  my  Physician  gives 
No  poisoned  draught  can  be, 
But  medicine  due; 
For  God  is  true, 
And  on  that  changeless  truth  I  build, 
And  all  my  heart  with  hope  is  filled. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right ! 

Though  I  the  cup  must  drink, 
That  bitter  seems  to  my  faint  heart, 
I  will  not  fear  nor  shrink ; 
Tears  pass  away 
With  dawn  of  day ; 
Sweet  comfort  yet  shall  fill  my  heart, 
And  pain  and  sorrow  all  depart. 

Whate'er  my  God  ordains  is  right ! 

My  Light,  my  Life  is  He, 
Who  cannot  will  me  aught  but  good, 
I  trust  Him  utterly ; 
For  well  I  know, 
In  joy  or  woe, 
We  soon  shall  see,  as  sunlight  clear, 
How  faithful  was  our  Guardian  here. 


126  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Whate'er  ray  God  ordains  is  right! 

Here  will  I  take  my  stand, 
Though  sorrow,  need,  or  death  raake  earth 
For  me  a  desert  land. 
My  Father's  care 
Is  round  me  there ; 
He  holds  me  that  I  shall  not  fall, 
And  so  to  Him  I  leave  it  all. 

Lyra  Germamca. 


Lead  Me  Aright. 

I  do  not  ask,  O  Lord,  that  life  may  be 
A  pleasant  road ; 
I  do  not  ask  that  thou  would'st  take  from  me 
Aught  of  its  load. 

I  do  not  ask  that  flowers  should  always  spring 

Beneath  my  feet; 
I  know  too  well  the  poison  and  the  stiDg 

Of  things  too  sweet. 

For  one  thing  only,  Lord,  dear  Lord,  I  plead  : 

Lead  me  aright,  — 
Though  strength  should  falter  and  though  heart 
should  bleed, 

Through  peace  to  light. 


THY  WILL  BE  DONE.  127 

I  do  not  ask  my  cross  to  understand, 

My  way  to  see ; 
Better  in  darkness  just  to  feel  thy  hand, 

And  follow  Thee. 

Joy  is  like  settled  day ;  but  peace  divine 

Like  quiet  night. 
Lead  me,  0  Lord,  till  perfect  day  shall  shine 

Through  peace  to  light. 

Hand  of  Jesus 


Thy  Will  be  Done. 

LORD  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt! 
O  may  Thy  will  be  mine ! 
Into  Thy  hand  of  love 

I  would  my  all  resign. 
Through  sorrow  or  through  joy, 

Conduct  me  as  Thine  own, 
And  help  me  still  to  say, 
My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done  ! 

Lord  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt ! 

If  needy  here  and  poor, 
Give  me  Thy  people's  bread, 

Their  portion  rich  and  sure. 
The  manna  of  Thy  word 

Let  my  soul  feed  upon ; 
And  if  all  else  should  fail, — 

My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done ! 


«* 


*■ 


1  28  ROCK  OF  A  CES. 

Lord  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt  I 

If  among  thorns  I  go, 
Still  sometimes  here  and  there 

Let  a  few  roses  blow. 

But  Thou  on  earth  along 
The  thorny  path  hast  irone; 

Then  lead  me  alter  Thee,  — 
My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done  ! 

Lord  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt! 

Though  seen  through  many  a  tear, 
Let  not  my  star  of  hope 

Grow  dim  or  disappear; 
Since  Thou  on  earth  hast  wept 

And  sorrowed  oft  alone, 
If  I  must  weep  with  Thee, 

My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done ! 

Lord  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt! 

If  loved  ones  must  depart, 
Suffer  not  sorrow's  Hood 

To  overwhelm  my  heart 
•    For  they  are  blest  with  Thee, 

Their  race  and  conflict  won, 
Let  me  but  follow  them,  — 

My  Lord.  Thy  will  be  done! 

Lord  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt  I 

When  death  itself  draws  nigh, 


LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS.  129 

To  Thy  dear,  wounded  side 

I  would  for  refuge  fly. 
Leaning  on  Thee,  to  go 

Where  Thou  before  hast  gone  I 
The  rest  as  Thou  shalt  please,  — 

My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done ! 

Lord  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt ! 

All  shall  be  well  for  me, 
Each  changing  future  scene 

I  gladly  trust  with  Thee. 
Straight  to  my  home  above 

I  travel  calmly  on, 
And  sing  in  life  or  death,  — 

My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done  I 

B.  SCHMOLK. 


"Looking  unto  Jesus." 

THOU,  Lord,  my  path  shalt  choose, 
And  my  Guide  bel 
What  shall  I  fear  to  lose 

While  I  have  Thee  ? 
This  be  my  portion  blest, 
On  my  Redeemer's  breast, 
In  peaceful  trust  to  rest : 
He  cares  for  me  1 
o 


4*- 


130  IiOCK  OF  AGES. 

Shall,  I  then,  choose  my  way? 

Never,  O  no! 
I  —  creature  of  a  day, 

What  can  I  know? 
What  dread  perplexity, 
Then  would  encompass  me; 
Now  I  can  look  to  Thee, 

Thou  orderest  so ! 

This  lightens  every  cross, 
Cheers  every  ill ; 

Suffer  I  grief  or  loss,  — 
It  is  Thy  will ! 

Who  can  make  no  mistake, 

Chooseth  the  way  I  take ; 

He  who  can  ne'er  forsake, 
Holds  my  hand  still ! 

Sweet  words  of  peace  and  love 

Christ  whispers  me  I 
Bearing  my  soul  above 

Life's  troubled  sea  I 

This  be  my  portion  blest, 

On  my  Redeemer's  breast 

In  peaceful  trust  to  rest ! 

He  cares  for  me ! 

Christ  died  my  love  to  win, 
Christ  is  ray  tower ! 


JESUS,  THOU  SON  OF  GOD.  131 

He  will  be  with  me  in 

Each  trying  hour ! 
He  makes  the  wounded  whole, 
He  will  my  heart  console, 
He  will  uphold  my  soul 

By  His  own  power ! 

To  Thee,  the  only  Wise, 

Whatever  be, 
I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes, 

Joyful  in  Thee ! 
This  be  my  portion  blest, 
On  my  Redeemer's  breast 
In  peaceful  trust  to  rest : 

He  cares  for  me ! 


Jesus,  Thou  Son  of  God. 

AMID  the  shadows  and  the  fears 
That  overcloud  this  home  of  tears, 
Amid  my  poverty  and  sin, 
The  tempest  and  the  war  within, 
I  cast  my  soul  on  Thee, 
Mighty  to  save  e'en  me, 
4      Jesus,  thou  Son  of  God. 

Drifting  across  a  sunless  sea, 

Cold,  heavy  mists  encurtaining  me,  — 


132  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Toiling  along  life's  broken  road, 
With  snares  around  and  foes  abroad, — 

I  cast  my  soul  on  Thee, 

Might)'  to  save  e'en  me, 

Je-us,  thou  Son  of  God. 

Mine  is  a  day  of  fear  and  strife, 
A  needy  soul,  a  needy  life, 
A  needy  world,  a  needy  age; 
Yet,  In  my  perilous  pilgrimage, 

I  cast  myself  on  Thee, 

Mighty  to  save  e'en  me, 

Jesus,  thou  Son  of  God. 

To  Thee  I  come  :  ah,  only  Thou 
Canst  wipe  the  sweat  from  ofl'  this  brow; 
Thou,  only  Thou,  canst  make  me  whole, 
And  soothe  the  fever  of  my  soul. 

I  cast  my  soul  on  Thee, 

Mighty  to  save  e'en  me, 

Jesus,  thou  Sou  of  God. 

On  Thee  I  rest :  Thy  love  and  grace 
Are  my  sole  rock  and  resting-place; 
In  Thee  my  thirst  and  hunger  sore, 
Lord,  let  me  quench  forevermore. 

I  cast  my  soul  on  Thee, 

Mighty  to  save  e'en  me, 

Jesus,  thou  Son  of  God. 


►  « 


T 


AL WA TS  Itf  LOVE.  1 33 

'  T  is  earth,  not  heaven ;   '  t  is  night,  not  moon , 
The  sorrowless  is  coming  soon  ; 
But,  till  the  morn  of  love  appears, 
Which  ends  the  travail  and  the  tears, 

I  cast  my  soul  on  Thee, 

Mighty  to  save  e'en  me, 

Jesus,  thou  Son  of  God. 

Always  in  Love. 

WE  cannot  always  trace  the  way, 
Where  Thou,  our  gracious  Lord,  dost 
move, 
But  we  can  always  surely  say, 
That  Thou  art  love. 
Thou,  blessed  Son  of  God, 
Hast  bought  me  with  Thy  blood, 

Jesus  my  Lord ! 
0,  how  great  is  Thy  love, 
All  other  loves  above, 
Love  that  I  daily  prove, 
Jesus  my  Lord ! 

When  unto  Thee  I  flee, 
Thou  wilt  my  refuge  be, 

Jesus  my  Lord ! 
What  need  I  now  to  fear, 
What  earthly  grief  or  care, 
Since  Thou  art  ever  near  ? 

Jesus  my  Lord ! 


•* 


134  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Soon  Thou  wilt  come  again ! 
I  shall  be  happy  then, 

Jesus  ray  Lord ! 
Then  Thine  own  face  I  '11  see, 
Then  I  shall  like  Thee  be, 
Then  evermore  with  Thee, 

Jesus  my  Lord ! 


Not  as  I  will,  but  as  Thou  wilt. 

I  WORSHIP  thee,  sweet  Will  of  God! 
And  all  Thy  ways  adore, 
And  every  day  I  live  I  seem 
To  love  Thee  more  and  more. 

Thou  wert  the  end,  the  blessed  rule 

Of  Jesus'  toils  and  tears ; 
Thou  wert  the  passion  of  His  Heart 

Those  three-aud-thirty  years. 

I  love  to  kiss  each  print  where  Thou 

Hast  set  Thine  unseen  feet: 
I  cannot  fear  the  blessed  Will, — 

Thiue  empire  is  so  sweet. 

When  obstacles  and  trials  seem 
Like  prison- walls  to  be. 


- 


NOT  AS  I  WILL,  BUT  AS  THOU  WILT.       135 

I  do  the  little  that  I  can, 
And  leave  the  rest  to  Thee. 


I  have  no  cares,  0  blessed  Will ! 

For  all  my  cares  are  Thine ; 
I  live  in  triumph,  Lord !  for  Thou 

Hast  made  Thy  triumphs  mine. 

Ride  on,  ride  on  triumphantly, 

Thou  glorious  Will !  ride  on ; 
Faith's  pilgrim  sons  behind  thee  take 

The  road  that  Thou  hast  gone. 

He  always  wins  who  rides  with  God, 

To  him  no  chance  is  lost; 
God's  will  is  sweetest  to  him  when 

It  triumphs  at  his  cost. 

Ill  that  He  blesses  is  our  good, 

And  noblest  good  is  ill ; 
And  all  is  right  that  seems  most  wrong, 

If  it  be  His  sweet  Will ! 

Faber. 


136  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


"My  Strength  and  my  Heart  faileth. 

IN  weakness  at  Thy  feet  I  lie, 
Thine  eye  each  pang  hath  seen, 
Scarce  can  I  lift  my  heart  on  high, 
Yet,  Lord,  on  Thee  I  lean,  — 


Lean  on  Thy  sure,  unfailing  word, 

Thy  gentle  "  It  is  I," 
For  Thou,  my  ever-living  Lord, 

Know'st  what  it  is  to  die. 

Thou  wilt  be  with  me  when  I  go ;  — 

Thy  life  my  life  in  death ; 
For,  in  the  lowest  depths,  I  know 

Thine  arms  are  underneath. 

*T  is  not  the  infant's  feeble  grasp 
Which  holds  the  mother  fast ; 

It  is  the  mother's  gentle  clasp 
Around  her  darling  cast. 

Just  so  Thy  child  would  cling  to  Thee, 

Knowing  Thy  pity  long  : 
For  feeble  as  my  faith  may  be 

The  hand  I  clasp  is  strong. 


* 


JUST  AS  I  AM.  137 


Come  to  Christ. 

COME,  bowed  with  grief  and  sick  of  sin, 
The  cross  was  stained  for  thee ; 
Come  weary,  rest  and  peace  to  find, 
Come  blind,  and  thou  shalt  see. 

Come  boldly,  guilty  as  thou  art, 

God  will  not  spurn  thy  prayer; 
Come,  cast  thy  burdens  at  His  feet, 

And  leave  thy  sorrows  there. 

Come  as  thou  art ;  no  deeds  of  thine 

Can  take  thy  sins  away ; 
Thy  troubled  soul  before  the  cross, 

Loving  and  trusting,  lay. 

Come,  freely  come,  nor  longer  choose 

On  restless  wing  to  roam ; 
Enter  at  once  the  friendly  ark, 

And  find  a  welcome  home. 

S.  F.  Smith 


Just  as  I  Am. 

JUST  as  I  am,  without  one  plea, 
But  that  Thy  blood  was  shed  for  me, 
And  that  Thou  bid'st  me  come  to  Thee,  — 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come ! 


•* 


138  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Just  as  I  am,  — and  waiting  not 
To  rid  my  soul  of  one  dark  blot, 
To  Thee,  whose  blood  ean  cleanse;  each  spot, 
0  Lamb  of  God,  I  come ! 


Just  as  I  am,  —  though  tossed  about 
With  many  a  conflict,  many  a  doubt, 
With  fears  within  and  wars  without  — 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come ! 

Just  as  I  am,  —  poor,  wretched,  blind,  — 
Sight,  riches,  healing  of  the  mind, 
Yea,  all  I  need,  in  Thee  to  find,  — 
0  Lamb  of  God,  I  come ! 

Just  as  I  am,  —  Thou  wilt  receive, 
Wilt  welcome,  pardon,  cleanse,  relieve,  — 
Because  Thy  promise  I  believe, 
0  Lamb  of  God,  I  come  1 

Just  as  I  am,  —  Thy  love  unknown 
Has  broken  every  barrier  down, 
Now  to  be  Thine,  yea,  Thine  alone,  — 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come ! 

C.  Elliot. 


*■ 


*.9 


JUST  A S  THO  U  ART.  139 


Just  As  Thou  Art. 

JUST  as  thou  art,  without  one  trace 
Of  love,  or  joy,  or  inward  grace, 
Or  meetness  for  the  heavenly  place,  — 
0  guilty  sinner,  come ! 

Thy  sins  I  bore  on  Calvary's  tree ; 
The  stripes  thy  due  were  laid  on  Me, 
That  peace  and  pardon  might  be  free,  — 
O  wretched  sinner,  come  1 

Burdened  with  guilt,  would'st  thou  be  blest  ? 
Trust  not  the  world ;  it  gives  no  rest ; 
I  bring  relief  to  hearts  opprest,  — 
O  weary  sinner,  come ! 

Come,  leave  thy  burden  at  the  cross ; 
Count  all  thy  gains  but  empty  dross ; 
My  grace  repays  all  earthly  loss,  — 
O  needy  sinner,  come ! 

Come,  hither  bring  thy  boding  fears, 
Thy  aching  heart,  thy  bursting  tears  : 
'T  is  mercy's  voice  salutes  thine  ears ; 
O  trembling  sinner,  come ! 

"  The  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say,  *  Come  ';  " 
Rejoicing  saints  re-echo,  '  Come  ' ; 
Who  faints,  who  thirsts,  who  will,  may  come ; 
Thy  Saviour  bids  thee  come.  R-  S.  Cook. 


140  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


Even  Me. 

LORD,  I  hear  of  showers  of  blessing 
Thou  art  scattering  full  and  free, 
Showers  the  thirsty  land  refreshing; 
Let  some  droppings  fall  on  me,  — 
Even  me. 

Pass  me  not,  0  God  my  Father, 
Sinful  though  my  heart  may  be ; 

Thou  might'st  leave  me,  but  the  rather 
Let  Thy  mercy  light  on  me,  — 
Even  me. 

Pass  me  not,  O  gracious  Saviour; 

Let  me  live  and  cling  to  Thee ; 
Fain  I  'in  longing  for  Thy  favor; 

While  Thou  *rt  calling,  calling  me,  — 
Even  me. 

Pass  me  not,  O  mighty  Spirit ; 

Thou  can'st  make  the  blind  to  see ; 
YVituesser  of  Jesus'  merit, 

Speak  the  word  of  power  to  me,  — 
Even  me. 

Have  I  long  in  sin  been  sleeping  — 
Long  been  slighting,  grieving  Thee? 


* 


■* 


FAITH.  141 

Has  the  world  my  heart  been  keeping? 
O,  forgive,  and  rescue  me  !  — 
Even  me. 

Love  of  God,  so  pure  and  changeless  !> 

Blood  of  Christ,  so  rich  and  free ! 
Grace  of  God,  so  strong  and  boundless !  — 

Magnify  it  all  in  me,  — 

Even  me. 

Pass  me  not  —  Thy  lost  one  bringing, 

Bind  my  heart,  O  Lord,  to  Thee ; 
Whilst  the  streams  of  life  are  springing, 

Blessing  others,  O,  bless  me !  — 
Even  me. 


Faith. 

FAITH  is  the  dawning  of  day 
Where  darkness  was  before, 
The  rising  of  a  solar  ray 
To  set  in  night  no  more. 

Faith  lights  an  eye  within  the  soul 
From  earth  to  heaven  that  turns, 

And  there,  where  wheels  of  glory  roll, 
Admires,  adores,  and  burns. 


* 


142  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Faith  plants  an  ear  that  hears  the  hymn 

Of  everlasting  praise, 
Which  sainted  souls  and  seraphim 

In  Alleluias  raise. 

Faith  yields  a  sense  of  life  and  love, 
Upborne  on  wings  of  prayer, 

Swift  as  an  eagle  or  a  dove 
That  cleaves  the  liquid  air. 

Faith  gives  a  hand  that  holds  the  heart 

Within  the  mystic  veil, 
Fast  by  that  Friend  who  will  not  part 

From  those  who  will  not  fail. 

Faith  feeds  that  fire  whose  holy  flame 

Illumiuates  my  road, 
With  all  the  glories  of  His  name, 

Who  deigns  to  be  my  God. 

Faith  fans  each  phasis  of  the  fight 
Which  sin  and  self  destroys  — 

Christ  changing  weakness  into  might, 
And  sorrows  into  joys. 

Faith  leads  me  onward  to  the  cross, 
And  through  it  to  a  crown, 

When  purified  from  all  the  dress 
That  weighs  the  spirit  down. 


* 


+  < 


FAITH.  143 

Faith  lifts  the  glass  which  shows  so  well, 

In  lines  of  weal  and  woe, 
Those  twofold  worlds  of  heaven  and  hell, 

Above  me,  and  below. 

Faith  is  the  substance  of  my  hope, 

The  evidence  of  things 
Where  angels  fathom  not  the  scope, 

But  shade  it  with  their  wings. 

Faith  is  the  prop  on  which  we  lean 

In  darkness  or  distress, 
Far  oftener  felt  and  known,  than  seen 

Throughout  this  wilderness. 

Faith  opens  amidst  wastes  of  sand 

A  fountain  fresh  and  fair, 
Whose  waters,  rising  at  command, 

Annihilate  despair. 

Faith  is  a  compass  never  wrong 

Nor  swerving  from  its  pole ; 
It  cheers  the  weak,  directs  the  strong, 

And  gladdens  every  soul. 

Faith  is  the  charm  that  keeps  our  fight 

From  wandering  by  the  way ; 
It  studs  with  stars  the  brow  of  Night. 

Or  turns  it  into  day. 


144  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Faitli  is  the  talisman  of  power 

No  force  can  ever  break, 
No  beasts  Of  prey  can  e'er  devour, 

No  sorcery  ever  shake. 

Faith  is  the  gem  without  a  flaw 

Derived  alone  from  God, 
The  Ransom  of  His  broken  law. 

Bought  with  and  bathed  with  blood. 

Faith  is  the  Iris  arching  heaven, 
Though  gathering  clouds  are  rouud, 

The  token  glad  of  guilt  forgiven, 
Of  bondage  thus  unbound. 

Faith  takes  her  balances  of  gold, 
And  weighs  with  skill  sublime 

Eternal  happiness  untold, 
Against  the  dream  of  time. 

0  Lord,  increase  this  grace  in  me 
That  with  each  fleeting  breath, 

1  more  and  more  may  know  of  Thee 
And  hail  the  hand  of  death. 

So  Faith  shall  in  fruition  end 

And  grace  in  glory  cease, 
Where  Praise  her  powers  can  never  spend, 

Nor  aught  disturb  this  peace. 


w 


NEARER  TO  GOD.  145 


Nearer  to  God. 

NEARER,  my  God,  to  Thee,  - 
Nearer  to  Thee ! 
E'en  though  it  be  a  cross 

That  raiseth  me ; 

Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 

Though  like  a  wanderer, 
The  sun  gone  down, 

Darkness  comes  over  me, 
My  rest  a  stone, 

Yet  in  my  dreams  I  'd  be 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee ! 

There  let  my  way  appear 

Steps  unto  heaven ; 
All  that  Thou  sendest  me 

In  mercy  given ; 
Angels  to  beckon  me 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee  I 

Then  with  my  waking  thoughts 
Bright  with  Thy  praise, 

Out  of  my  stony  griefs 
Bethel  I  '11  raise ; 
10 


•* 


►  *- 


146  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

So  by  my  woes  to  be 
Nearer,  ray  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee ! 

And  when  on  joyful  wing 

Cleaving  the  sky, 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars  forgot, 

Upward  I  fly ; 
Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 

Sarah  F.  Adams. 


Closer  to  Thee. 

CLOSER  to  Thee, 
Saviour,  I  follow  on, 
Guided  by  Thee, 
Seeing  not  yet  the  Hand 

That  leadeth  me. 
Hushed  be  my  heart,  and  still ; 
Fear  I  no  further  ill ; 
Only  to  meet  Thy  will 
My  will  shall  be. 

Riven  the  rock  for  me, 

Thirst  to  relieve ; 
Manna  from  heaven  falls 

Fresh  every  eve ; 


GETHSEMANE.  \  \  7 

Never  a  want  severe 
Causeth  my  eye  a  tear, 
But  Thou  dost  whisper  near, 
"  Only  believe !  " 

Often  to  Marah's  brink 

Have  I  been  brought ; 
Shrinking  the  cup  to  drink, 

Help  I  have  sought ; 
And,  with  the  prayer's  ascent, 
Jesus  the  branch  hath  rent, 
Quickly  relief  hath  sent, 

Sweetening  the  draught. 

Saviour,  I  long  to  walk 

Closer  with  Thee ; 
Led  by  Thy  guiding  hand 

Ever  to  be ; 
Constantly  near  Thy  side, 
Quickened  and  purified, 
Living  for  Him  who  died 

Freely  for  me. 


Gethsemane. 

THE  night  is  dark — behold,  the  shade  was  deeper, 
In  the  still  garden  of  Gethsemane, 
When  the  calm  voice  awoke  the  weary  sleeper, 
"  Could'st  thou  not  watch  an  hour  alone  with  Me  ? ' 


148  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

0  thou,  so  weary  of  thy  self-denials, 
And  so  impatient  of  thy  little  cross, 

Is  it  so  hard  to  bear  thy  daily  trials  — 
To  count  all  earthly  things  a  gainful  loss? 

What  if  thou  always  sufferest  tribulation? 

What  if  thy  Christian  warfare  never  cease? 
The  gaining  of  the  quiet  habitation 

Shall  gather  thee  to  everlasting  peace. 

Here  are  we  all  to  suffer,  walking  lonely 

The  path  that  Jesus  ouce  Himself  hath  gone ; 

Watch  thou  this  hour  in  trustful  patience  only, 
This  one  dark  hour  before  the  eternal  dawn. 

And  He  will  come  in  His  own  time  from  heaven, 

To  set  His  earnest-hearted  children  free; 
Watch  only  through  this  dark  and  painful  even, 
yet  will  break  for  thee. 


"  I  Thirst." 

J  THIRST,  the  blessed  Saviour  said, 
Ere  on  the  cross  He  bowed  His  head, 
And  gave  Himself  to  God. 
The  vinegar  was  pressed  in  vain, 
And  the  full  cup  of  woe  and  pain 
Now  blushed  with  His  own  blood. 


* 


"  I  THIRST"  149 

Hail,  holy  chalice,  let  my  soul 
Bathe  in  thy  depths  without  control, 

Filled  from  the  heavenly  vine ; 
Let  every  thought  be  fixed  on  Thee, 
Thine  overwhelming  agony, 
Until  Thy  love  be  mine. 

I  thirst,  that  bitterness  to  share 

Which  Christ  would  deign  for  me  to  bear, 

The  wormwood  and  the  gall, 
The  pointing  finger  aud  the  leer, 
The  wagging  head,  the  loathsome  sneer, 

And  the  reproach  of  all. 

I  thirst,  for  what  my  Lord  can  give, 
That  life  which  He  would  have  me  live 

Devoted  to  His  will ; 
Through  cloud  or  sunshine,  calm  or  storm, 
In  scenes  of  every  shade  or  form, 

Obedient  to  Him  still. 

I  thirst,  to  have  a  soul  within 
Divided  from  the  smallest  sin 

In  word,  or  deed,  or  mind, 
A  heart  to  soar  on  sacred  wings 
Above  all  sublunary  things, 

And  leave  the  world  behind. 

I  thirst,  to  taste  that  precious  stream 
Which  only  can  my  guilt  redeem, 


•* 


* 


150  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

And  wash  me  white  as  snow ; 
Poured  from  that  side,  those  hands  and  feet, 
Whence  fountains  of  salvation  sweet, 

In  ceaseless  mercy  flow. 

I  thirst,  to  see  that  glorious  brow, 

Once  pierced  with  thorns  for  me,  but  now 

Crowned  as  with  many  crowns; 
Where  the  perpetual  hymn  of  praise 
Rises  above  all  other  lays, 

All  other  music  drowns. 

I  thirst,  to  have  His  mercy  known 
From  shore  to  shore,  from  zone  to  zone, 

His  tears  and  tenderness ; 
Until  the  universe  shall  sigh 
That  its  dear  Lord  should  ever  die, 

Although  that  death  we  bless. 

I  thirst,  to  hail  the  countless  throng 
Of  those  who  to  that  world  belong, 

Where  pain  afflicts  no  more ; 
Where  every  tear  is  wiped  away. 
And  through  a  cloudless,  uightless  day 

All  saints  the  Lamb  adore. 

M.  Bridges. 


*- 


* 


SACRAMENTAL  HYMN.  151 


Sacramental  Hymn. 

HERE,  O  my  Lord,  I  see  Thee  face  to  face ; 
Here  would  I  touch  and  handle  things  unseen 
Here  grasp  with  firmer  hand  th'  eternal  grace, 
And  all  my  weariness  upon  Thee  lean. 

Here  would  I  feed  upon  the  bread  of  God ; 

Here  drink  with  Thee  the  royal  wine  of  heaven ; 
Here  would  I  lay  aside  each  earthly  load, 

Here  taste  afresh  the  calm  of  sin  forgiven. 

I  have  no  help  but  Thine ;  nor  do  I  need 
Another  arm  save  Thine  to  lean  upon ; 

It  is  enough,  my  Lord,  enough  indeed ; 
My  strength  is  in  Thy  might,  Thy  might  alone. 

1  have  no  wisdom  save  in  Him,  who  is 
My  wisdom  and  my  teacher  both  in  one ; 

No  wisdom  can  I  lack  while  Thou  art  wise, 
No  teaching  do  I  crave,  save  Thine  alone. 

Mine  is  the  sin,  but  Thine  the  righteousness ; 

Mine  is  the  guilt,  but  Thine  the  cleansing  blood. 
This  is  my  robe,  my  refuge,  and  my  peace  — 

Thy  blood,  Thy  righteousness,  O  Lord  my  God. 

Too  soon  we  rise ;  the  symbols  disappear ; 
The  feast,  but  not  the  love,  is  passed  and  gone ; 


* 


152  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

The  bread  and  wine  remove,  but  Thou  art  here 
Nearer  than  ever  —  still  my  shield  and  sun. 

Feast  after  feast  thus  comes  and  passes  by ; 

Yet  passing,  points  to  the  great  feast  above ; 
Giving  sweet  foretastes  of  the  festal  joy, 

The  Lamb's  great  bridal  feast  of  bliss  and  love. 

Bonak. 


The  Loving  Crp. 

COME,  drink  ye,  drink  ye  all,  of  it, 
Pale  children  of  a  King, 
No  poi>on  mingles  in  the  draught, 

So  while  ye  suffer,  sing. 
'T  is  Love's  own  Life  hath  won  it  us, 

Christ's  lip  hath  pressed  the  brim  — 
Come,  drink  ye,  drink  ye,  all,  of  it, 
In  fellowship  with  Him! 

0  shun  not  thou  the  Loving  Cup, 

Nor  tremble  at  its  hue ; 
There  is  no  bitter  in  the  bowl, 

But  Jesus  drank  it,  too. 
He  counts  thy  tears,  and  knows  thy  pain, 

Yea,  every  woe  is  weighed  ; 
And  not  a  cross  He  bids  thee  bear, 

But  once  on  Him  was  laid. 


*- 


THE  L 0  VING  CUP.  153 

Come,  drink  thou  of  the  Loving  Cup ! 

Thou  wouldst  not  pass  it  by  ? 
'T  is  kept  for  every  chosen  one 

Of  God's  dear  family  : 
Nor,  unbelieving,  turn  aside : 

The  Lord  the  cup  bestows ; 
And  0,  His  face,  about  thee  bent, 

With  love  and  pity  glows ! 

Those  hands,  once  bleeding  on  the  Cross, 

Are  now  outstretched  to  bless ; 
He  draws  thee  closer  to  His  heart 

For  that  draught's  bitterness ; 
He  hears  thy  faintly  sobbing  breath, 

He  marks  each  quivering  limb; 
He  drank  a  cup  for  thee  alone  — 

Child !  drink  it  now  with  Him. 

Let  earth  bring  forth  her  bitter  herbs, 

Soon  all  their  power  shall  cease ; 
Come  tribulation,  if  it  will, 

With  Christ's  abiding  Peace. 
I  take  the  cup  —  the  Loving  Cup, 

Thrice  blessed  shall  it  be ; 
I  would  not  miss  one  gift,  O  Lord, 

Thy  Blood  hath  bought  for  me ! 

Anna  Shipton. 


154  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Go,  Worship  at  Immaxcel's  Feet. 

GO,  worship  at  Imraauuel's  feet; 
See  in  His  face  what  wonders  meet; 
Earth  is  too  narrow  to  express 
His  worth,  His  glory,  or  His  grace ! 

The  whole  creation  can  afford 
But  some  faint  shadows  of  ray  Lord; 
Nature,  to  make  His  beauties  known, 
Must  mingle  colors  not  her  own. 

Is  He  compared  to  Wine  or  Bread? 
Dear  Lord,  our  souls  would  thus  be  fed : 
That  Flesh,  that  dying  Blood  of  Thine, 
Is  Bread  of  Life,  is  heavenly  Wine. 

Is  He  a  Tree  ?    The  world  receives 
Salvation  from  His  healing  leaves; 
That  righteous  Branch,  that  fruitful  Bough, 
Is  David's  root,  and  offspring  too. 

Is  He  a  Rose?    Not  Sharon  yields 
Such  fragrancy  in  all  her  fields ; 
Or  if  the  Lily  He  assume, 
The  valleys  bless  the  rich  perfume. 

Is  He  a  Vine  ?    His  heavenly  root 
Supplies  the  boughs  with  life  and  fruit ; 
0  let  a  lasting  union  join 
My  soul,  the  branch,  to  Christ,  the  Vine ! 


GO,  WORSHIP  AT  [MMANUEVS  FEET.      155 

Is  He  the  Head?    Each  member  lives, 
And  owns  the  vital  power  He  gives ; 
The  saints  below  and  saints  above 
Joined  by  His  Spirit  and  His  love. 

Is  He  a  Fountain  ?     There  I  bathe, 
And  heal  the  plague  of  sin  and  death ; 
These  waters  all  my  soul  renew, 
And  cleanse  my  spotted  garments  too. 

Is  He  a  Fire  ?    He  '11  purge  my  dross ; 
But  the  true  gold  sustains  no  loss ; 
Like  a  Refiner  shall  He  sit, 
And  tread  the  refuse  with  His  feet. 

Is  He  a  Rock?     How  firm  he  proves ! 
The  Rock  of  Ages  never  moves ; 
Yet  the  sweet  streams,  that  from  Him  flow, 
Attend  us  all  the  desert  through. 

Is  He  a  Way  ?    He  leads  to  God ; 
The  path  is  drawn  in  lines  of  blood ; 
There  would  I  walk  with  zealous  will, 
Till  I  arrive  at  Zion's  hill. 

Is  He  a  Door?    I'll  enter  in; 
Behold  the  pastures  large  and  green! 
A  paradise  divinely  fair ; 
None  but  the  sheep  have  freedom  there. 


* 


156  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Is  He  designed  a  Corner  Stone, 
For  men  to  build  their  heaven  upon? 
I  '11  make  Him  ray  Foundation  too; 
Nor  fear  the  plots  of  Hell  below. 

Is  He  a  Temple?     I  adore 
The  Indwelling  majesty  and  power; 
And  still  to  His  Most  Holy  Place, 
Whene'er  I  pray  I  turn  my  face. 

Is  He  a  Star?    He  breaks  the  night, 
Piercing  the  shades  with  dawning  light; 
I  know  His  glories  from  afar, 
I  know  tho  bright,  the  Morning  Star ! 

Is  He  a  Sun?     His  beams  are  grace, 
His  course  a  joy  and  Righteousness: 
Nations  rejoice  when  He  appears 
To  chase  their  clouds  and  dry  their  tears. 

O,  let  me  climb  those  higher  skies 
"Where  storms  and  darkness  never  rise ! 
There  He  displays  His  power  abroad. 
And  shines  and  reigns  th'  Incarnate  God. 

Nor  earth,  nor  seas,  nor  sun,  nor  stars, 
Nor  heaven,  His  full  resemblance  bears  ; 
His  beauties  we  can  never  trace, 
Till  we  behold  Him  face  to  face. 

Isaac  Watts.  (1709. * 


*- 


approach,  to  communion:  157 


Approach  to  Communion. 

LORD,  to  thine  altar  we  draw  near; 
O,  fence  us  round  with  holy  fear, 
And  o'er  our  trembling  spirits  shed 
The  feeling  of  Thy  presence  dread ; 
"We  bow  the  head,  we  bend  the  knee 
Before  Thine  awful  Majesty, 
Beseeching  Thee  with  favoring  eyes 
To  look  upon  our  sacrifice. 

Our  conflict,  Lord,  Thou  know'st  it  all ; 
The  thousand  foes  which  fast  enthrall 
Our  captive  souls,  that  would  be  free 
From  every  taint,  to  worship  Thee ; 
The  vain  desire,  the  wandering  thought, 
With  worlclliness  and  folly  fraught, 
The  earthly  joy,  the  earthly  care, 
That  haunts  us  in  the  house  of  prayer,  — 

The  doubts,  the  questionings  of  mind 
That  will  perforce  an  entrance  find, 
Seeking  to  rob  us  of  the  prize 
That  faith  would  meekly  realize ; 
The  accuser's  ceaseless  voice  within 
Whispering  of  unforgiven  sin, 
To  make  the  wounded  soul  retreat 
In  terror  from  Thy  Mercy  Seat. 


158  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

The  world,  the  flesh,  and  Satan's  rage, 
Our  threefold  foes,  Thou  can's  t  assuage. 
Who  by  Thine  own  almighty  power 
Did'st  quell  them  in  their  fiercest  hour  : 
0,  let  Thy  new  and  risen  life 
Within  our  souls  subdue  the  strife, — 
And  help  us,  Lord,  that  we  may  see 
Thy  presence  here,  and  worship  Thee. 


Resting  Wholly  on  Christ. 

1LAY  my  sins  on  Jesus, 
The  spotless  Lamb  of  God ; 
He  bears  them  all,  and  frees  us 

From  the  accursed  load. 
I  bring  my  guilt  to  Jesus, 

To  wash  my  crimson  stains 
White,  in  His  blood  most  precious, 
Till  not  a  spot  remains. 

I  lay  my  wants  on  Jesus ; 

All  fulness  dwells  in  Him : 
He  heals  all  my  diseases, 

He  doth  my  soul  redeem. 
I  lay  my  griefs  on  Jesus, 

My  burdens  and  my  cares ; 
He  from  them  all  releases, 

He  all  my  sorrow  shares. 


*■ 


* 


THE  BLESSED   CROSS. 


159 


I  rest  my  soul  on  Jesus, 

This  weary  soul  of  mine ; 
His  right  hand  me  embraces, 

I  on  His  breast  recline. 
I  love  the  name  of  Jesus, 

Immanuel,  Christ,  the  Lord; 
Like  fragrance  on  the  breezes 

His  name  abroad  is  poured. 

I  long  to  be  like  Jesus, 

Meek,  loving,  lowly,  mild  • 
I  long  to  be  like  Jesus, 

The  Father's  holy  child. 
I  long  to  be  with  Jesus 

Amid  the  heavenly  throng, 
To  sing  with  saints  His  praises, 

To  learn  the  angels'  song. 


H.  Bonar. 


The  Blessed  Cross. 

THE  blessed  cross  shines  now  to  us,  where  once 
the  Saviour  bled, 
Love  made  Him  victim  there  for  us,  and  there  His 
blood  was  shed. 

And  with  His  wounds  our  wounds  He  healed, 
and  washed  our  sins  away, 

And  rescued  from  the  raging  wolf  the  lost  and  help- 
less prey. 


«* 


»4 


1G0  .BOCA'  OF  AGES. 

There  with  transfixed  palms  He  hung,  and  saved  the 

world  from  losv  : 
Aud  closed  the  bitter  way  of  death  by  dying  on  the 

cross. 

Those   hands   were  pierced  with  cruel  nails,   fixed 

till  His  dying  breath,  — 
The  hands  that  rescued  Paul  from  crime,  and  Peter 

once  from  death. 

O  rich   and   fruitful  branches!  O  sweet  and  noble 

tree! 
What  new  aud  precious  fruit  hangs  for  the  world  on 

Thee,  — 

Whose  fragrance  breathes  the  breath  of  life  into  the 

sileut  dead, 
Gives  life  to  those  from  whom,  long  since,  earth's 

pleasant  light  had  fled. 

No  summer  hea-.  has  power  to  scorch  who  in  Thy 

shadow  rest ; 
No  moonlight  chill  can  harm  at  night,  no  burning 

noon  molest. 

Planted  beside  the  water-flood,   unshaken   is  Thy 

root ; 
Thy  branch  shall  never  fade,  and  in  all  seasons  be 

Thy  fruit. 


CBRIS  T  E  VER  NEAR.  1 6 1 

For  round  Thine  arms  entwined  is  the  true  and  living 

vine, 
And  from  that  blood-stained  stem  distils  the  new 

and  heavenly  wine. 

Venantrusus  Fortunatus. 


Christ  Ever  Near. 

OLOVE  Divine  !  that  stooped  to  share 
Our  sharpest  pang,  our  bitterest  tear, 
On  Thee  we  cast  each  earth-born  care, 
We  smile  at  pain  while  Thou  art  near. 

Though  long  the  weary  way  we  tread, 
And  sorrow  crown  each  lingering  year, 

No  path  we  shun,  no  darkness  dread, 
Our  hearts  still  whispering,  Thou  art  near. 

When  drooping  pleasure  turns  to  grief, 
And  trembling  faith  is  changed  to  fear, 

The  murmuring  wind,  the  quivering  leaf, 
Shall  softly  tell  us,  Thou  art  near. 

On  Thee  we  fling  our  burdening  woe, 

0  Love  Divine,  forever  dear; 
Content  to  suffer  while  we  know, 

Living  or  dying,  Thou  art  near. 

11  O.  W  Holmes 


*:+ 


1G2  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


He  Bids  Us  Come. 

HE  bids  us  come;  His  voice  we  know, 
And  boldly  on  the  waters  go 
To  Him,  our  Christ  and  Lord. 
We  walk  on  Life's  tempestuous  sea, 
For  He  who  died  to  set  us  free 
Hath  called  us  by  His  word. 

Secure  from  troubled  waves  we  tread, 
Nor  all  the  storms  around  us  heed, 

While  to  our  Lord  we  look. 
O'er  every  fierce  temptation  bound ; 
The  billows  yield  a  solid  ground, 

The  wave  is  firm  as  rock. 

But  if  from  Him  we  turn  our  eye, 
And  see  the  raging  floods  run  high, 

And  feel  our  fears  within, 
Our  foes  so  strong,  our  flesh  so  frail, 
Reason  and  unbelief  prevail, 

And  sink  us  into  sin. 

Lord,  we  our  unbelief  confess, 
Our  little  spark  of  faith  increase, 

That  we  may  doubt  no  more, 
But  fix  on  Thee  our  steady  eye, 
And  on  Thine  outstretched  arm  rely, 

Till  all  the  storm  is  o'er. 


* 


THE    CROSS.  163 


The  Cross. 

1SAW  the  cross  of  Jesus 
When  burdened  with  my  sin ; 
I  sought  the  cross  of  Jesus 
To  give  me  peace  within : 
I  brought  my  sin  to  Jesus ; 

He  cleansed  it  in  His  blood ; 
And  in  the  cross  of  Jesus 
I  found  my  peace  with  God. 

I  love  the  cross  of  Jesus, 

It  tells  me  what  I  am ; 
A  vile  and  guilty  creature, 

Saved  only  through  the  Lamb. 
No  righteousness,  no  merit, 

No  beauty  can  I  plead ; 
Yet  in  the  cross  I  glory, 

My  title  there  I  read. 

I  clasp  the  cross  of  Jesus 

In  ev'ry  trying  hour, 
My  sure  and  certain  refuge, 

My  never-failing  tower. 
In  every  fear  and  conflict, 

I  more  than  conqueror  am ; 
Living  I  'm  safe,  or  dying, 

Through  Christ,  the  risen  Lamb. 


■* 


•5  + 


104  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Sweet  is  the  cross  of  Je>us  I 

There  let  my  wear}'  heart 
Still  rest  in  perfect  peace 

Till  life  itself  depart. 
And  then  in  strains  of  glory 

I  '11  sing  Thy  wondrous  power. 
Where  sin  can  never  enter, 

And  death  is  known  no  more. 

F.  "WniTraxD. 


Abide  m  Him. 

CLING  to  the  Crucified ! 
His  death  is  life  to  Thee,  - 
Life  for  eternity ; 
His  wounds  thy  pardon  seal, 
His  stripes  thy  bruises  heal, 
His  cross  proclaims  thy  peace, 
Bids  every  sorrow  cease ; 
His  blood  is  all  to  thee, 
It  purges  thee  from  sin ; 
It  sets  thy  spirit  free, 
It  keeps  thy  conscience  clean  : 
Cling  to  the  Crucified  I 

Cling  to  the  Crucified! 
His  is  a  heart  of  love, 
Full  as  the  hearts  above; 


*■ 


* 


THE  ROCK  OF  AGES.  1  65 

Its  depths  of  sympathy- 
Are  all  awake  for  thee ; 
His  countenance  is  light 
Even  to  the  darkest  night ; 
That  love  shall  never  change  — 

That  light  shall  ne'er  grow  dim ; 
Charge  thou  thy  faithless  heart 

To  find  it  all  in  Him  : 
Cling  to  the  Crucified ! 


The  Rock  of  Ages. 

OROCK  of  Ages  !  since  on  Thee 
By  grace  my  feet  are  planted, 
'  T  is  mine,  in  tranquil  faith,  to  see 

The  rising  storm,  undaunted ; 
When  angry  billows  round  me  rave, 

And  tempests  fierce  assail  me, 
To  Thee  I  cling,  the  terrors  brave, 

For  Thou  canst  never  fail  me ; 
Though  rends  the  globe  with  earthquake  shock, 

Unmoved  Thou  stand'st,  Eternal  Rock ! 

Within  Thy  clefts  I  love  to  hide, 

When  darkness  o'er  me  closes  ; 
There  peace  and  light  serene  abide, 

And  my  still  heart  reposes ; 


1GC  B0CK0FAGE8. 

My  soul  exults  to  dwell  secure, 

Thy  strong  muuitions  round  her; 
She  dares  to  count  her  triumph  sure, 

Nor  fears  lest  hell  confound  her; 
Though  tumults  startle  earth  and  sea, 
Thou,  changeless  Rock,  they  shake  not  Thee! 

From  Thee,  O  Rock,  once  smitten,  flow 

Life-giving  streams  forever; 
And  whoso  doth  their  sweetness  know 

He  thenceforth  thirsteth  never. 
My  lips  have  touched  the  crystal  tide, 

And  feel  no  more  returning 
The  fever  that  so  long  I  tried 

To  cool,  yet  felt  still  burning; 
Ah,  wondrous  Well-Spring!  brimming  o'er 
With  living  waters  evermore. 

On  that  dread  day  when  they  that  sleep 

Shall  hear  the  trumpet  sounding, 
And  wake  to  praise  t>r  wake  to  weep, 

The  judgment  throne  surrounding; 
When,  wrapped  in  all-devouring  flame, 

The  solid  globe  is  wasting, 
And  what  at  first  from  nothing  came 

Is  back  to  nothing  hasting ; 
Even  then  my  soul  shall  calmly  rest, 
O  Rock  of  Ages  !  on  Thy  breast. 

Ray  Falmt k 


*■ 


REST.  167 


Rest. 


1REST  with  Thee,  Lord !  whither  should  I  go? 
I  feel  so  blest  within  Thy  home  of  love ! 
The  blessings  purchased  by  Thy  pain  and  woe, 
To  Thy  poor  child  Thou  sendest  from  above ; 
O,  never  let  Thy  grace  depart  from  me ; 
So  shall  I  still  abide,  my  Lord,  with  Thee. 

I  rest  with  Thee !    Eternal  life  the  prize 
Thou  wilt  bestow,  when  faith's  good  fight  is  won ; 

What  can  earth  give  but  vain  regrets  and  sighs, 
To  the  poor  heart  whose  passing  bliss  is  done  ? 

For  lasting  joys  I  fleeting  ones  resign, 

Since  Jesus  calls  me  His,  and  He  is  mine. 

I  rest  with  Thee !  no  other  place  of  rest 
Can  now  attract,  no  other  portion  please, 

The  soul,  of  heavenly  treasure  once  possessed, 
All  earthly  glory  with  indifference  sees; 

Poor  world,  farewell !  thy  splendors  tempt  no  more  — 

The  power  of  Grace  I  feel,  and  thine  is  o'er. 

I  rest  with  Thee  !  with  Thee,  whose  wondrous  love 
Descends  to  seek  the  lost,  the  fallen  to  raise, 

O  that  my  whole  of  future  life  might  prove 
One  hallelujah,  one  glad  song  of  praise  ! 

So  shall  I  sing,  as  time's  last  moments  flee, 

Now  and  forever,  Lord,  I  rest  with  Thee. 


1G8  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


God  a  Hiding-place. 

rpHOU  art  my  hiding-place,  0  Lord* 
J-   In  Thee  I  put  my  trust, 
Encouraged  by  Thy  holy  word, 

A  feeble  child  of  dust :  — 
I  have  no  argument  beside, 

I  urge  uo  other  plea, 
Aud  't  is  enough  my  Saviour  died, — 

My  Saviour  died  for  me  ! 

When  storms  of  fierce  temptation  beat, 

And  furious  foes  assail, 
My  refuge  is  the  mercy-seat, 

My  hope  within  the  veil. 
From  strife  of  tongues,  and  bitter  words, 

My  spirit  flies  to  Thee  ; 
Joy  to  my  heart  the  thought  affords, 

My  Saviour  died  for  me  ! 

'Mid  trials  heavy  to  be  borne, 

When  mortal  strength  is  vain,  — 
A  heart  with  grief  and  anguish  torn  — 

A  bod}'  racked  with  pain,  — 
Ah !  what  could  give  the  sufferer  rest. 

Bid  every  murmur  flee, 
But  this,  the  witness  in  my  breast, 

My  Saviour  died  for  me  ! 


# 


GOD  KNOWS  IT  ALL.  169 

And  when  Thine  awful  voice  commands 

This  body  to  decay, 
And  life,  in  its  last  lingering  sands, 

Is  ebbing  fast  away,  — 
Then,  though  it  be  in  accents  weak, 

And  faint  and  tremblingly, 
0  give  me  strength  in  death  to  speak, 

"  My  Saviour  died  for  me !  " 


God  Knows  it  All. 

IN  the  dim  recess  of  thy  spirit's  chamber 
Is  there  some  hidden  grief  thou  may'st  not  tell  ? 
Let  not  thy  heart  forsake  thee,  but  remember 
His  pitying  eye,  who  sees  and  knows  it  well,  — 
God  knows  it  all ! 

And  art  thou  tossed  on  billows  of  temptation, 
And  wouldst  do  good,  but  evil  still  prevails  ? 

0  think,  amid  the  waves  of  tribulation, 
When  earthly  hope,  when  earthly  refuge  fails, 
God  knows  it  all. 

And  dost  thou  sin !  thy  deed  of  shame  concealing, 
In  some  dark  spot  no  human  eye  can  see  — 

Then  walk  in  pride,  without  one  sign  revealing 
The  deep  remorses  that  disquiet  thee  ? 
God  knows  it  all ! 


170  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Art  thou  oppressed,  and  poor,  and  heavy-hearted, 
The  heavens  above  thee  in  thick  clouds  arrayed; 

And  well-nigh  crushed,  no  earthly  strength  imparted. 
No  friendly  voice  to  say  "  Be  not  afraid?" 
God  knows  it  all! 

Art  thou  a  mourner?     Are  thy  tear-drops  flowing 
For  one  so  early  lost  to  earth  and  thee? 

The  depth  of  grief  no  human  spirit  knowing; 
Which  moans  in  secret  like  the  moaning  sea  — 
God  knows  it  all ! 

Dost  thou  look  back  upon  a  life  of  sinning? 

Forward,  and  tremble  for  thy  future  lot? 
There  's  One  who  sees  the  end,  from  the  beginning; 

Thy  tear  of  penitence  is  un forgot. 
God  knows  it  all. 

Then  go  to  God !     Pour  out  your  hearts  before  Him, 

There  is  no  grief  your  Father  cannot  feel, — 
And  let  your  grateful  songs  of  praise  adore  Him  — 
To  save,  forgive,  and  every  wound  to  heal ! 
God  knows  it  all. 

Axon. 

'*  Cling  to  the  Mighty  One." 

CLING  to  the  mighty  One, 
Cliug  in  thy  grief; 
Cling  to  the  Holy  One  — 
He  gives  relief; 


*■ 


GOD  OVER  ALL.  171 

Cling  to  the  Gracious  One, 

Cling  in  thy  pain ; 
Cling  to  the  Faithful  One  — 

He  will  sustain. 

Cling  to  the  Living  One, 

Cling  in  thy  woe ; 
Cling  to  the  Loving  One 

Through  all  below ; 
Cling  to  the  Pardoning  One  — 

He  speaketh  peace ; 
Cling  to  the  Healing  One  — 

Anguish  shall  cease. 

Cling  to  the  Bleeding  One, 

Cling  to  His  side ; 
Cling  to  the  Risen  One  — 

In  Him  abide ; 
Cling  to  the  Coming  One  — 

Hope  shall  arise ; 
Cling  to  the  Reigning  One  — 

Joy  lights  thine  eyes. 


God  over  All. 

JEHOVAH  reigns ;  He  dwells  in  light, 
Arrayed  with  majesty  and  might; 
The  world,  created  by  His  hands, 
Still  on  its  firm  foundation  stands. 


■* 


172  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

But  ere  this  spacious  world  was  made 
Or  had  its  first  foundation  laid, 
His  throne  eternal  ages  stood, 
Himself  the  ever-living  God. 

Like  floods  the  angry  nations  rise, 
And  aim  their  rage  against  the  skies; 
Vain  floods,  that  aim  their  rage  so  high; 
At  His  rebuke,  the  billows  die. 

Forever  shall  His  throne  endure ; 
His  promise  stands  forever  sure  ; 
And  everlasting  holiness 


Watts. 


God  our  All. 

HOW  firm  the  saint's  foundation  stands 
His  hopes  can  ne'er  remove, 
Sustained  by  God's  almighty  hand, 
And  sheltered  in  His  love. 

God  is  the  treasure  of  his  soul, 

A  source  of  sacred  joy, 
Which  no  afflictions  can  control, 

Nor  death  itself  destroy. 


*- 


A  SHIELD  AND  HIDING-PLACE.  173 

Lord,  may  we  feel  Thy  cheering  beams, 

And  taste  Thy  saints'  repose ; 
We  will  not  mourn  the  perished  streams, 

While  such  a  fountain  flows. 

Doddridge. 


A  Shield  and  Hiding-place. 

HE  who  on  earth  as  man  was  known, 
And  bore  our  sins  and  pains, 
Now,  seated  on  th'  eternal  throne, 
The  God  of  glory  reigns. 


His  hands  the  wheels  of  Nature  guide 

With  an  unerring  skill ; 
And  countless  worlds,  extended  wide, 

Obey  His  sovereign  will. 

While  harps  unnumbered  sound  His  praise, 

In  yonder  world  above, 
His  saints  on  earth  admire  His  ways, 

And  glory  in  His  love. 

His  righteousness,  to  faith  revealed, 
Wrought  out  for  guilty  worms, 

Affords  a  hiding-place  and  shield 
From  enemies  and  storms. 


*■ 


1  74:  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

This  land,  through  which  His  pilgrims  go, 

Is  desolate  and  dry. 
But  streams  of  grace  from  Him  o'erflow, 

Their  thirst  to  satisfy. 

When  troubles,  like  a  burning  sun, 

Beat  heavy  on  their  head, 
To  this  Almighty  Rock  they  run, 

And  find  a  pleasing  shade. 

How  glorious  He !  how  happy  they 

In  such  a  glorious  Friend ! 
Whose  love  secures  them  all  the  way, 

And  crowns  them  at  the  end. 


Ligiit  in  Darkness. 

HOW  weary  and  how  worthless  this  life  at  times 
appears ; 
What  days  of  heavy  musings,  what  hours  of  bitter 

tears. 
How  dark  the  storm-clouds  gather  along  the  win- 
try skies! 
How    desolate    and   cheerless   the  path  before   is 
lies! 

And  yet  these  days  of  dreariness  are  sent  us  from 
above ; 


+  « 


LIGHT  IN  DARKNESS.  1 75 

They  do  not  come  in  anger,  but  in  faithfulness  and 
love; 

They  come  to  teach  U3  lessons  which  bright  ones 
could  not  yield 

And  to  leave  us  blest  and  thankful  when  their  pur- 
pose is  fulfilled. 

They  come  to  draw  us  nearer  to  our  Father  and  our 
Lord, 

More  earnestly  to  seek  His  face,  to  listen  to  His 
word, 

And  to  feel,  if  now  around  us  a  desert  land  we  see, 

Without  the  star  of  promise,  what  would  its  dark- 
ness be? 

They  come  to  lay  us  lowly  and  humbled  in  the  dust, 
All    self-deception  swept    away,  all  creature  hope 

and  trust, 
Our  helplessness,  our  vileness,  our  guiltiness  to  own, 
And  flee,  for  hope  and  refuge,  to  Christ,  and  Christ 

alone. 

They  come  to  break  the  fetters  which  here  confine 

us  fast, 
And  force   our  long    reluctant   hearts  to  rise  to 

Heaven  at  last, 
And  brighten  every  prospect  of  that  eternal  home, 
Where    grief  and    disappointment  and  fears  can 

never  come. 


176  ROCK  OF  AQES. 

Then  turn  not  in  despondence,  poor,  weary  heart, 

away, 
Bat  meekly  journey  onward,  through  the  dark  and 

cloudy  day  ; 
Even  now  the  bow  of  promise  is  above  thee  painted 

bright, 
And    soon    a  joyful    morning    shall    dissipate    the 

night. 

Thy  God  hath  not  forgot  thee,  and,  when  He  sees  it 

best, 
Will  lead  thee  into  sunshine,  will  give  thee  bowers 

of  rest; 
And  all  thy  pain  and  sorrow,  when  the  pilgrimage 

is  o'er, 

Shall    end    in    heavenly  blessedness  and  joys  for- 

evermore. 

Anon. 


My  Hand  in  Christ's. 

4 II I Y  hand   in   Christ's!"    He  leadeth  where   He 

i-'l  lists, 

Through  flowery  fields,  or  'neath  a  starry  sky ; 
My  faith  is  strong;  1L>  '11  bring  me  safely  through 

The  ills  of  life,  till  I  am  called  to  die. 


"My  hand   in  Christ's!"      I  care   not    how  death 
comes, 


* 


WE  A  RIXESS  AXD  RES  T.  177 

Whether  by  pestilence  or  in  the  fight ; 
I  shall  be  safe  beneath  His  gentle  care, 
Should  the  sun  smite  by  day  or  moon  by  night. 

"My  hand  in  Christ's!"  who  bore  up  Calvary'- 
height 

The  cross,  and  gave  His  precious  life  up  there 
To  save  a  wretch  like  me !     Can  I  e'er  doubt, 

Or  give  myself  a  victim  to  despair  ? 

No;  let  me  cling  the  closer  to  His  side, 
And  with  a  child's  devotion  hold  Him  fast. 

"  My  hand  in  His  !  "    I  '11  safely  pass  along ; 
Though  storms  may  howl,  my  home  I  '11  gain  at  last. 

"  My  hand  in  Christ's !  "  e'en  down  to  death's  cold 
flood 

He  '11  bear  me  conqueror  through  the  dying  strife ; 
And  safe  with  those  who  've  only  gone  before, 

I  shall  have  entered  on  that  higher  life. 


Weariness  and  Rest. 

SAVIOUR,  I  come  to  Thee, 
A  weary  child,  with  pain  and  care  oppressed ; 
O  let  me  lean  this  aching,  burdened  heart 
Upon  Thy  loving  brea?st ! 

12 


4 


*- 


J  78  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

The  way  is  very  dark; 

I  cannot  see  it,  Lord,  through  these  my  fears : 
Take  Thou  ray  hand,  and  draw  me  up  to  Thee, 

Through  all  the  lonely  years. 

I  have  no  strength,  dear  Lord; 

O  let  me  lie  where  I  can  touch  Thy  feet, 
And  gaze  up  from  the  dust  into  Thine  eyes, 

That  are  so  true  and  sweet. 

And  come,  O  come  to  me  ! 

And  raise  me  to  Thine  arms,  and  teach  me  there 
The  strange,  deep  secrets  of  Thy  love,  and  bend 

To  listen  to  my  prayer. 

Speak  to  me  soft  and  low  : 

My  spirit  yeorneth  for  one  little  word 
To  cheer  the  still,  sad  silence  of  my  life  — 

One  word  from  Thee,  my  Lord. 

Speak  to  me,  O  my  God  : 

There  are  sweet  voices  falling  on  my  ear. 
Long  known,  long  loved ;  but  in  my  inmost  soul 

Their  tones  I  cannot  hear. 

But  Thou  wilt  speak  to  me ; 

And,  as  the  river  falls  into  the  sea. 
And  sinks  to  sleep,  so  this  my  wearied  heart 

Shall  flLd  its  rest  in  Thee. 


-* 


/  AM  THE  WA  Y,  ETC.  1  79 


"I  am  the  Way,  and  the  Truth,  and  the  Life.' 

HPHOU  art  the  Way !  and  lie  who  sighs, 
J-   Amid  this  starless  waste  of  woe, 
To  And  a  pathway  to  the  skies, 

A  light  from  Heaven's  eternal  glow, 
By  Thee  must  come,  Thou  gate  of  love ! 

Through  which  the  saints  undoubting  trod, 
Till  faith  discovers,  like  the  clove, 

An  ark,  a  resting-place  in  God ! 

Thou  art  the  Truth !  whose  steady  day 

Shines  on  through  earthly  blight  and  bloom ; 
The  pure,  the  everlasting  Ray, 

The  Lamp  that  shines  e'en  in  the  tomb ! 
The  Light  that  out  of  darkness  springs, 

And  guideth  those  that  blindly  go ; 
The  Word,  whose  precious  radiance  flings 

Its  lustre  upon  all  below. 

Thou  art  the  Life  !  the  blessed  Well 

With  living  waters  gushing  o'er, 
Which  those  who  drink  shall  ever  dwell 

Where  sin  and  thirst  are  known  no  more ; 
Thou  art  the  mystic  Pillar  given  — 

Our  Lamp  by  night,  our  Light  by  day ; 
Thou  art  the  sacred  Bread  from  heaven  — 

Thou  art  the  Life,  the  Truth,  the  Way ! 

Anon. 


180  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


"It  is  I;  Be  not  Afraid." 

"  HE  not  afraid;  'tis  I" 

JLJ  Who  walk  the  mighty  deep- 
Who  bid  the  storm  pass  by, 

Or  rock  the  waves  to  sleep  : 
Though  mountain  billows  swell, 

And  thunders  shake  the  sky, 
A  breath  of  mine  can  quell  — 

<;  Be  not  afraid  ;  't  is  I." 

"Be  not  afraid;  'tis  I:" 

But  have  ye  aught  to  fear? 
Can  danger  e'er  be  nigh, 

And  God,  too,  not  be  near ' 
"  O  ye  of  little  faith," 

Who  raise  the  feeble  cry 
To  Him  who  ever  saith  — 

"Be  not  afraid;  'tis  I." 


Q.  Bank*. 


The  Voice  of  Jesus. 

I  HEARD  the  voice  of  Jesus  say, 
"  Come  unto  me  and  rest : 
Lay  down,  thou  weary  one,  lay  down 

Thy  head  upon  my  breast." 
I  came  to  Jesus  as  I  was, 
Weary,  and  worn,  and  sad, 


>« 


75  THERE  NO  BALM  IN  GILEAD  t  181 

I  found  in  Him  a  resting  place, 
And  He  has  made  me  glad. 

I  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say, 

"  Behold,  I  freely  give 
The  living  water,  —  thirsty  one, 

Stoop  down,  and  drink  and  live." 
I  came  to  Jesus,  and  I  drank 

Of  that  life-giving  stream, 
My  thirst  was  quenched,  my  soul  revived, 

And  now  I  live  in  Him. 

I  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say, 

"  I  am  this  dark  world's  light 
Look  unto  Me,  thy  morn  shall  rise, 

And  all  thy  day  be  bright." 
I  looked  to  Jesus,  and  I  found 

In  Him  my  Star,  my  Sun ; 
And  in  that  light  of  life  I  '11  walk 

Till  travelling  days  are  done. 

H.  Bonar. 


Is  There  no  Balm  in  Gilead? 

IS  there  no  balm  in  Gilead,   then?    is  there   no 
Healer  nigh  ? 
No  freshening  spring  to  cheer  the  waste  so  desolate 
and  dry? 


■* 


182  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Hath  Hope's  dear  vision  vanished  forever  from  thy 

sight, 
And  darkness  fallen    round   thee,  the  very  gloom  of 

night  ? 
And  seems  thy  soul  forsaken,  her  every  blessing 

flown? 
No  soothing  for  her  sorrow,  nowhere  to  make  her 

moan? 
Yet  stay ;  the  cross  thou  bearest  thus  hath  first  been 

borne  for  thee, 
Jesus  Himself  did  hang  thereon,  thy  life  and  cure  to 

be. 

For  thine  own  ease  He  bare  it  all,  —  the  scourge 

and  piercing  thorn, 
The  nailing  and  the  bruising,  the  denial,  shame,  and 

scorn ; 
Darkness  and  desolation  deep,  and  pangs  beyond 

thy  thought, 
And  all  for  thy  soul's  healing  these  sad  agonic*  wen 

wrought. 
Upon  His  Cross  He  yearned  for  thee,  for  thee  His 

heartstrings  brake ; 
Himself  of   all  forsaken,   He   could  not  thee  for- 
sake. 
Then  evermore,  when  chastenings  sore  thine  inmost 

spirit  wring, 
Say,   "My  Beloved  is  crucified,  and  I  to  Him  will 

cling." 


IS  THERE  NO  BALM  IN  GILEAD1  183 

How  shall  I  sing  Thy  holy  love,  dear  Passion  of  my 

Lord? 
Or  how  Thy  mystic  virtue  shall  I  worthily  record  ? 
Thou  art  the  spring  of  all  our  hope,  the  balsam  of 

our  woes, 
The  solace  of  our  yearnings,  and  the  bower  of  our 

repose ; 
True  Paradise  cf  all  delights,  since  joy  of  grief  is 

born, 
For,  as  the  flowers  but  close  at  night  to  ope  more 

fresh  with  morn, 
So  He  who  wept  and  bled  for  us,  and  bowed  in 

earthly  gloom, 
Now  makes  those  sorrows  our  bright  bliss,  those 

wounds  our  joyous  home. 

Here  is  a  covert  from  the  storm,  when  winds  and 

waves  arise, 
A.  shadow  in  the  scorching  noon,  a  light  in  starless 

skies ; 
A  staff  upon  the  rugged  road,  a  shield  when  foes 

assail, 
A  charm  Divine,  against  whose  might  no  evil  cab 

prevail ; 
For  where  the  Cross  of  Jesus  is,  is  peace,  and  thert 

alone, 
And  'neath  that  banner  of   His  love  He  gathereth 

His  own ; 


184  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

And  those  who  will  be  Christ's  must  not  e'er  grndge 

their  portion  small. 
Who  in   His    bitter    chalice,   once,   and   for    thee. 

drained  it  all. 

Thou  know'st  He  went  not  up  to  joy,  but  first  He 

suffered  pain, 
And  all  the  self-same  path  must  tread  who  thus  His 

bliss  would  gain : 
Is  aught  too  wearisome  or  hard  for  Jesus  sake  10 

bear? 
While  He  is  crowned  with  thorns  wilt  thou  a  crown 

of  roses  wear? 
Lo !  this  good  Cross  He  offers  thee ;  it  is  thy  very 

life ; 
Anoint  with  holy  unction,  it  will   aid  thee  in   the 

strife ; 
T  is  hallowed  by  thy  Saviour's  touch,  who  hung  on 

it  for  thee, 
And  Love's  sweet  might  shall  make  it  light,  and  win 

the  victory. 

Draw  near,  thou  reft  and  drooping  heart,  draw  near 

and  lift  thy  gaze 
To  Him  who  yearns  with  outstretched  arms  thee 

from  thy  grief  to  raise ; 
Draw  near,  and,  clinging  close  beneath  thy  Saviour's 

bleeding  heart, 


*- 


■* 


JESUS,  MY  ALL.  185 

Tell  o'er  each  throb  of  that  deep  woe  in  which  thou 

hast  a  part ; 
Tell  o'er  each  drop  of  dear  life-blood  which  ebbs  for 

thee  so  fast, 
And  all  thy  weary  heart-aching  upon  that  true  love 

cast : 
In  Jesus'  Cross  and  Passion  is  the  medicine  of  thy 

soul, 

Tea,  there  is  balm  in  Gilead,  and  a  Healer  to  make 

thee  whole. 

C.  Tellon. 


Jesus,  My  All. 

JESUS,  ray  Saviour,  look  on  me ! 
For  I  am  weary  and  oppressed ; 
I  come  to  cast  my  soul  on  Thee ;  — 
Thou  art  my  rest. 

Look  clown  on  me,  for  I  am  weak ; 
I  feel  the  toilsome  journey's  length; 
Thine  aid  omnipotent  I  seek ;  — 

Thou  art  my  strength. 

I  am  bewildered  on  my  way ; 
Dark  and  tempestuous  is  the  night : 
O,  shed  Thou  forth  some  cheering  ray ;  — 
Thou  art  my  light. 


186  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

I  li&df  the  storms  around  me  rise, 
But  when  I  dread  th'  Impending  shock, 
My  .spirit  to  her  refuge  flies ;  — 

Thou  art  my  rocK. 

When  the  accuser  flings  his  darts. 
I  look  to  Thee,  —  my  terrors  cease ; 
Thy  cross  a  hiding-place  imparts  ;  — 
Thou  art  my  peace. 

Standing  alone  on  Jordan's  brink, 
In  that  tremendous,  latest  strife, 
Thou  wilt  not  suffer  me  to  sink ;  — 
Thou  art  my  life. 

Thou  wilt  my  every  want  supply, 
E'en  to  the  end,  whate'er  befall ; 
Through  life,  in  death,  eternally, 

Thou  art  my  all. 


Macdcfj 


Leaning  on  Thee. 

IEANIXG  on  Thee,  my  Guide  and  Friend, 
J  My  gracious  Saviour!  I  am  blest; 
Though  weary.  Thou  dost  condescend 
To  be  my  rest. 


^ 


+:? 


LEAN-IN G  ON  THEE.  187 

Leaning  on  Thee,  with  child-like  faith,  • 

To  Thee  the  future  I  confide ; 
Each  step  of  life's  untrodden  path 
Thy  love  will  guide. 

Leaning  on  Thee,  I  breath  no  moan, 

Though  faint  with  languor,  parched  with  heat ; 
Thy  will  has  now  become  my  own  — 
That  will  is  sweet. 

Leaning  on  Thee,  'midst  torturing  pain 
With  patience  Thou  my  soul  dost  fill ; 
Thou  whisperest  "  What  did  I  sustain?  " 
Then  I  am  still. 

Leaning  on  Thee,  I  do  not  dread 

The  havoc  that  disease  may  make ; 
Thou  who  for  me  Thy  blood  hast  shed 
Wilt  ne'er  forsake. 

Leaning  on  Thee,  though  faint  and  weak, 

Too  weak  another  voice  to  hear, 
Thy  heavenly  accents  comfort  speak, 
"  Be  of  good  cheer." 

Leaning  on  Thee,  no  fear  alarms ; 

Calmly  I  stand  on  death's  dark  brink ; 
I  feel  "  the  everlasting  arms," 

I  cannot  sink.  an  on. 


188  ROCK  OF  AdES. 


Lead,  Saviour,  Lead. 

LEAD,  Saviour,  lead,  amid  the  encircling  gloom, 
Lead  Thou  me  on. 
The  night  is  dark,  and  I  am  far  from  home; 

Lead  Thou  me  ou. 
Keep  Thou  my  feet ;  I  do  not  ask  to  see 
The  distant  scene  —  one  step  's  enough  for  me. 

I  was  not  ever  thus,  nor  prayed  that  Thou 

Should'st  lead  me  on ; 
I  loved  to  choose  and  see  my  path  ;  but  now 

Lead  Thou  me  on. 
I  loved  the  glare  of  day,  and,  spite  of  years, 
Pride  ruled  my  will ;  remember  not  past  years. 

So  long  Thy  power  hath  blessed  me  —  sure,  it  still 

Will  lead  me  on 
O'er  vale  and  hill,  through  stream  and  torrent,  till 

The  night  is  gone ; 
And  with  the  morn  those  angel  faces  smile, 
Which  I  have  loved  since,  and  lost  awhile. 


The  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the  Life. 

THOU  art  the  Way! 
All  ways  are  thorny  mazes  without  Thee. 
Where  hearts  are  pierced,  and  thoughts  all  aimless 
stray ; 


*■ 


THE  WAT,  THE  TRUTH,  ETC.  189 

In  Thee  the  heart  stands  firm,  the  life  moves  free : 
Thou  art  the  Way ! 

Thou  art  the  Truth ! 
Questions,  the  ages  break  against  in  vain, 
Confront  the  spirit  in  its  untried  youth ; 
It  starves  while  learning  poison  from  the  grain 
Thou  art  the  Truth ! 

Thou  art  the  Truth ! 
Truth  for  the  mind,  grand,  glorious,  infinite, 
A  heaven  still  boundless  o'er  its  highest  growth, 
Bread  for  the  heart  its  daily  need  to  meet. 
Thou  art  the  Truth ! 

Thou  art  the  Light ! 
Earth  beyond  earth  no  faintest  ray  can  give ; 
Heaven's  shadeless  noontide  blinds  our  mortal  sight ; 
In  Thee  we  look  on  God,  and  love,  and  live  : 
Thou  art  our  Light ! 

Thou  art  the  Kock ! 
Doubts  none  can  solve  heave  wild  on  every  side, 
Wave  meeting  wave  of  thought  in  ceaseless  shock; 
On  Thee  the  soul  rests  calm  amidst  the  tide : 

Thou  art  our  Rock ! 

Thou  art  the  Life ! 
All  ways  without  Thee  paths  that  end  in  death ; 


1 


190  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

All  life  without  Thee  with  death's  harvest  rife  — 
All  truths  dry  bones,  disjoined,  and  void  of  breath, 
Thou  art  our  Life ! 


For  Thou  art  Love  ! 
Our  Way  and  End !  the  way  is  rest  with  Thee ! 
O  living  Truth,  the  truth  is  life  in  Thee! 
O  Life  essential,  life  is  bliss  with  Thee ! 

For  Thou  art  Love  ! 

Anon. 


"  That  Rock  was  Christ.  ' 

MY  hope  is  built  on  nothing,  less 
Than  Jesus'  blood  and  righteousness ; 
I  dare  not  trust  the  sweetest  frame, 
But  wholly  lean  on  Jesus'  name; 
On  Christ  the  solid  rock  [  stand,  — 
All  other  ground  is  sinking  smd. 

When  darkness  veils  His  lovely  face, 

I  rest  on  His  unchanging  grace ; 

In  every  high  and  stormy  gale 

My  anchor  holds  within  the  veil; 
On  Christ  the  solid  rock  I  stand,  — 
All  other  ground  is  sinking  sand. 


CASTING  ALL  TOUR  CARE  ON  HIM.         191 

His  oath,  His  covenant,  and  blood, 
Support  me  in  the  sinking  flood; 
When  every  earthly  prop  gives  way, 
He  then  is  all  my  hope  and  stay. 

On  Christ  the  solid  rock  I  stand,  - 

All  other  ground  is  sinking  sand. 


When  I  shall  launch  to  worlds  uuseer 
0  may  I  then  be  found  in  Him ! 
Dressed  in  His  righteousness  alone, 
Faultless  to  stand  before  the  throne. 
On  Christ  the  solid  rock  I  stand,  — 
All  other  ground  is  sinking  sand. 


Casting  all  your  Care  on  Him. 

LORD,  it  belongs  not  to  my  care 
Whether  I  die  or  live ; 
To  love  and  serve  Thee  is  my  share, 
And  this  Thy  grace  must  give. 


If  life  be  long,  I  will  be  glad 

That  I  may  long  obey ; 
If  short,  yet  why  should  I  be  sad 

To  soar  to  endless  day  ? 


*- 


192  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Christ  leads  me  through  no  darker  rooms 

Then  He  went  through  before; 
No  one  into  His  kingdom  comes, 

But  through  His  opened  door. 

Come,  Lord,  when  grace  has  made  me  meet, 

Thy  blessed  face  to  see ; 
For  if  Thy  work  on  earth  be  sweet, 

What  will  Thy  glory  be! 

Then  shall  I  end  my  sad  complaints, 

And  weary,  sinful  days, 
And  join  with  all  triumphant  saints 

Who  sing  Jehovah's  praise. 

My  knowledge  of  that  life  is  small; 

The  eye  of  faith  is  dim ; 

But 't  is  enough  that  Christ  knows  all, 

And  I  shall  be  with  Him. 

Baxter. 


The  Saviour  Found. 

COME  and  rejoice  with  me, 
For  once  my  heart  was  poor, 
And  I  have  found  a  treasury 
Of  love,  a  boundless  store. 


* 


TEE  SA  VIO  UR   FO  UND.  193 

Come  and  rejoice  with  me ; 

I,  who  was  sick  at  heart, 
Have  met  with  One  who  knows  my  case, 

And  knows  the  healing  art. 

Come  and  rejoice  with  me, 

For  I  was  wearied  sore, 
And  I  have  found  a  mighty  arm 

Which  holds  me  evermore. 

Come  and  rejoice  with  me, 

My  feet  so  wide  did  roam, 
And  One  has  sought  me  from  afar, 

And  beareth  me  safe  home. 

Come  and  rejoice  with  me, 

For  I  have  found  a  Friend 
Who  knows  my  heart's  most  secret  depths, 

Yet  loves  me  without  end. 

I  knew  not  of  His  love, 

And  He  had  loved  so  long, 
With  love  so  faithful  and  so  deep, 

So  tender  and  so  strong. 

And  now  I  know  it  all, — 

Have  heard  and  know  His  voice, 

And  hear  it  still  from  day  to  day  ;  — 
Can  I  enough  rejoice? 

13 


104  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

All  Things  are  Yours. 

ALL  things  that  have  been,  all  that  are 
All  things  that  can  hv  dreamed, 
All  possible  creations  made. 
Kept  faithful,  or  redeemed,  — 

All  these  may  draw  upon  Thy  power. 

Thy  mercy  may  command, 
And  still  outflows  Thy  silent  sea, 

Immutable  and  grand. 

O  little  heart  of  mine,  shall  pain 
Or  sorrow  make  thee  moan, 

When  all  this  God  is  all  for  thee, 
A  Father  all  thine  own? 


Fabeb 


Trust. 

I  CANNOT  see,  with  my  short  human  sight, 
Why  God  should  lead  this  way  or  that  for  me ; 
I  only  know  He  saith,  "  Child,  follow  Me !  " 
But  I  can  trust. 

I  know  not  why  my  path  should  be  at  times 
So  straitly  hedged,  so  strangely  barred  before ; 
I  only  know  God  could  keep  wide  the  door,  — 
But  I  can  trust. 


GOD  OUR  STRENGTH.  195 

I  find  no  answer,  often,  when  beset 
With  questions  fierce  and  subtle  on  my  way, 
And  often  have  but  strength  to  faintly  pray ; 
But  I  can  trust. 

I  often  wonder,  as  with  trembling  hand 
I  cast  the  seed  along  the  furrowed  ground, 
If  ripened  fruit  for  God  will  there  be  found ; 
But  I  can  trust. 

I  cannot  know  why  suddenly  the  storm 
Should  rage  so  fiercely  round  me  in  its  wrath; 
But  this  I  know,  God  watches  all  my  path ; 
And  I  can  trust. 

I  may  not  draw  aside  the  mystic  veil 
That  hides  the  unknown  future  from  my  sight; 
Nor  know  if  for  me  waits  the  dark  or  light ; 
But  I  can  trust. 

I  have  no  power  to  look  across  the  tide, 
To  know,  while  here,  the  laud  beyond  the  river  : 
But  this  I  know,  I  shall  be  God's  forever ! 
So,  I  can  trust. 


God  our  Strength. 

JEHOVAH  is  our  strength, 
And  He  shall  be  our  song ; 
We  shall  o'ercome  at  length, 
Although  our  foes  be  strong  ; 


196  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

In  vain  doth  Satan  then  oppose, 
The  Lord  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 

The  Lord  our  refuge  is, 

And  ever  will  remain  ; 
Since  He  has  made  us  His, 

He  will  our  cause  maintain; 
In  vain  our  enemies  oppose, 
For  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 

The  Lord  our  portion  is, 

What  can  we  wish  for  more? 

As  long  as  we  are  His, 
We  never  can  be  poor : 

In  vain  do  earth  and  hell  oppose, 

For  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 

The  Lord  our  Shepherd  is, 
He  knows  our  every  need ; 

And  since  we  now  are  His, 
His  care  our  souls  will  feed : 

In  vain  do  sin  and  death  oppose, 

For  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 

Our  God  our  Father  is, 

Our  names  are  on  His  heart : 

We  ever  shall  be  His, 
He  ne'er  from  us  will  part : 

In  vain  the  world  and  flesh  oppose, 

For  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 


*■ 


-* 


WE  WOULD  SEE  JESUS. 


197 


"  Graven  Thee  on  the  Palms  of  my  Hands.' 

SWEET  thought,  my  God !  that  on  the  palms 
Of  Thy  most  holy  hands 
Are  graven  all  Thy  people's  names, 
Though  countless  as  the  sands. 


Not  one  too  mean  to  have  his  place 

Amid  that  record  blest, 
And  if  but  there  our  names  are  found, 

We  '11  share  the  heavenly  rest. 

How  can  we  then  yield  to  distrust, 

Or  think  we  are  forgot, 
While  ever  thus  the  care  of  One 
Who  loves  and  changes  not  ? 


M.  C. 


We  would  ske  Jesus. 

Y\/E  would  see  Jesus  —  for  the  shadows  lengthen 
»  '     Across  this  little  landscape  of  our  life ; 
We  would  see  Jesus,  our  weak  faith  to  strengthen, 
For  the  last  weariness  —  the  final  strife. 


We  would  see  Jesus  —  the  great  Rock  Foundation, 
Whereon  our  feet  were  set  by  sovereign  grace ; 
Not  life,  nor  death,  with  all  their  agitation, 
Can  thence  remove  us,  if  we  see  His  face. 


198  ROCKOF.tr. 

We  would  see  Jesus  —  other  lights  are  fading, 
Which  for  long  years  we  have  rejoiced  to  see; 
The  blessings  of  our  pilgrimage  are  failing, 
We  would  not  mourn  them,  for  we  go  to  Thee. 

We  would  see  Jesus  —  this  is  all  we're  Deeding, 
Strength,  joy  and  willingness  come  with  the 
We  would  see  Jesus,  dying,  risen,  pleading,  — 
Then  welcome,  day,  and  farewell,  mortal  night ! 

anow. 


Christ  our  Confidence. 

ARE  there  not  hours  when  faith  is  weak, 
When  doubtiugs  will  arise? 
Are  there  not  times  when  those  most  meek 
Are  taken  by  surprise  ? 

Some  passing  cloud  may  chance  to  veil 

The  brightness  of  the  sun; 
Some  transient  terror  may  assail 

True  happiness  begun. 

0  fear  thou  not.  the  truth  shall  shine 

Still  clearer  to  thy  heart, 
And  from  its  eminence  divine, 

Yet  brighter  rays  impart,  — 


*- 


TRUST  AND  REST.  199 

If  thou  but  build  thy  faith  so  sure 

On  Him  who  is  the  Rock, 
That  every  blast  it  may  endure, 

Aud  brave  the  sternest  shock. 

With  singleness  of  heart  believe, 

And  let  thy  trust  be  keen; 
Then  thou  the  blessing  shalt  receive 

Of  those  who  have  not  seen. 

G.  H.  Smtltan. 


Trust  and  Rest. 

FRET  not,  poor  soul ;  while  doubt  and  fear 
Disturb  thy  breast, 
The  pitying  angels,  who  can  see 
How  vain  thy  wild  regret  must  be, 
Say,  Trust  and  rest. 

Plan  not,  nor  scheme,  but  calmly  wait ; 

His  choice  is  best ; 
While  blind  and  erring  is  thy  sight, 
His  wisdom  sees  and  judges  right : 

So  trust  and  rest. 

Strive  not,  nor  struggle ;  thy  poor  might 

Can  never  wrest 
The  meanest  thing  to  serve  thy  will ; 
All  power  is  His  alone ;  be  still, 

And  trust  and  rest. 


■* 


200  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Desire  not;  for  self-love  is  strong 

Within  thy  breast  : 
And  yet  He  loves  thee  better  still, 
So  let  Him  do  His  loving  will, 

And  trust  and  rest. 

What  dost  thou  fear?    His  wisdom  reigns 

Supreme,  confessed ; 
His  power  is  Infinite;  His  love 
The  deepest,  fondest  dreams  above; 

So  trust  and  rest. 


Strength  according  to  Thy  Day. 

\Yr  AIT.  my  soul,  upon  the  Lord  ; 
»1     To  His  gracious  promise  flee, 
Laying  hold  upon  His  word,  — 

"  As  thy  day  thy  strength  shall  be." 

If  the  sorrows  of  thy  case 

Seem  peculiar  still  to  thee, 
God  has  promised  needful  grace,  — 

"As  thy  day,  thy  strength  shall  be." 

Days  of  trial,  days  of  grief, 
In  succession  thou  may'st  see ; 

This  is  still  thy  sweet  relief — 

"  As  thy  day  thy  streugth  shall  be." 


*- 


JES  US  E  VER  NEAR.  201 

Rock  of  ages,  I  'm  secure, 

With  Thy  promise  full  and  free, 
Faithful,  positive,  and  sure,  — 

"  As  thy  day  thy  strength  shall  be." 


Jesus  ever  Near. 

SINCE  I  have  learned  Thou  art, 
Thou  livest,  and  art  love, 
Art  love,  and  lovest  me ;  — 
Fearless  I  look  above ! 


Thy  blood  blots  out  my  sin, 
Thy  love  casts  out  my  fear ; 

Heaven  is  no  longer  far, 
Since  Thou,  its  sun,  art  near. 

Here  Thou  abid'st  awhile, 
Here  in  the  night  with  me ; 

Soon  Thou  wilt  take  me  home  — 
Home  to  Thy  light,  with  Thee. 

Where  is  no  night,  nor  eyes 
Which  weeping  long  for  night ; 

Eyes  whence  Thou  wip'st  the  tears, 
Can  bear  Thy  cloudless  light. 


*- 


202  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Summer,  life-fountains,  day, 
Within,  around,  above! 

Where  we  shall  see  Thy  face, 
Where  we  shall  feel  Thy  love ! 


In  the  World. 

NOT  yet,  not  yet  the  Sabbath  rest 
May  bid  this  turmoil  cease, 
And  hush  these  week-day  voices  shrill, 
With  holy  words  of  peace. 

I  count  the  days  since  last  it  came, 

So  few  and  yet  so  long! 
I  wait  its  healing  influence, 

So  gentle  and  so  strong! 

Like  surf  upon  a  storm-lashed  shore, 

Roll  in  upon  my  life 
These  waves  of  worldliness  and  care, 

Of  folly,  sin  and  strife. 

There  is  no  time  for  solitude; 

The  blessed  dews  of  prayer 
Are  dried  up  in  the  glare  of  pomp, 

Or  flattery's  poisoned  air. 


*- 


IN  THE  WORLD.  203 

To-night  I  think  how  fair  it  is 

Beyond  this  scene  of  mirth, 
Where,  calm  and  still,  God's  holy  stars 

Look  on  the  slumbering  earth. 

Thou  Guide  along  the  path  of  life, 

Which  leads  me  even  here, 
Where  no  one  breathes  Thy  sacred  name, 

I  know  that  Thou  art  near. 

Enter,  O  Lord,  the  inner  shrine, 

Within  my  heart  of  hearts, 
And  light  it  with  Thy  smile  divine, 

Which  heavenly  peace  imparts. 

If  worclly  trade  or  revelry 

Hath  dared  to  enter  there, 
Cleanse  it,  as  once  of  old  Thy  scourge 

Cleansed  Salem's  temple  fair. 

Then  speak,  dear  Lord !  and  though  the  world 

Its  thousand  claims  may  bring 
On  eye  and  ear,  on  voice  and  hand, 

My  heart  is  listening. 

So,  though  no  Sabbath  bell  may  ring, 

My  rest  is  where  Thou  art, 
And  Thou,  e'en  here,  canst  breathe  the  calm 

Of  Sabbath  in  my  heart. 

Mary  E.  Atkinson. 


4 


I  * 


204  HOCK  OF  AGES. 


Submission. 

SINCE  thy  Father's  arm  sustains  thee, 
Peaceful  be. 

When  a  chastening  hand  restrains  thee, 
It  is  He! 

Know  His  love  in  full  completeness, 
Feel  the  measure  of  thy  weakness; 
If  He  wound  thy  spirit  sore, 

Trust  Him  more. 

Without  murmur,  uncomplaining, 
In  His  hand 
Leave  whatever  things  thou  canst  not 

Understand. 
Though  the  world  thy  folly  spurneth, 
From  thy  faith  in  pity  turneth, 
Peace  thy  inmost  soul  shall  till, 
Lying  still. 

Like  an  infant,  if  thou  thinkest 

Thou  canst  stand, 

Childlike,  proudly  pushing  back 

The  proffered  hand ; 

Courage  soon  is  changed  to  fear, 

Strength  doth  feebleness  appear; 

In  His  love  if  thou  abide 

He  will  guide. 


SUBMISSION,  205 

Fearest  sometimes  that  thy  Father 

Hath  forgot? 
Though  the  clouds  around  thee  gather, 

Doubt  Him  not ! 
Always  hath  the  daylight  broken, 
Always  hath  He  comfort  spoken ; 
Better  hath  He  been  for  years 

Than  thy  fears. 

Therefore,  whatso'er  betideth, 

Night  or  day, 
Know  His  love  for  thee  provideth 

Good  alway : 
Crown  of  sorrows  gladly  take, 
Grateful  wear  it  for  His  sake ; 
Sweetly  bending  to  His  will, 

Lying  still. 

To  His  own  thy  Saviour  giveth 

Daily  strength ; 
To  each  troubled  soul  that  liveth 

Peace  at  length : 
"Weakest  lambs  have  largest  share 
Of  the  tender  Shepherd's  care. 
Ask  Him  not,  then,  "  When,  or  how?  " 

Only  bow. 


*- 


206  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


Have  Faith  in  God. 

HAVE  faith  in  God !  for  He  who  reigns  on  high 
Hath  borne  thy  grief  and  hears  the  suppliant's 
sigh ; 
Still  to  His  arms,  thine  only  refuge,  fly. 
Have  faith  in  God ! 

Fear  not  to  call  on  Him.  O  soul  distressed  ! 
Thy  sorrow's  whisper  woos  thee  to  His  breast ; 
He  who  is  oftenest  there  is  oftenest  blest. 
Have  faith  in  God ! 

Lean  not  on  Egypt's  reeds ;  slake  not  thy  thirst 
At  earthly  cisterns.     Seek  the  kingdom  first. 
Though  man  and  Satan  fright  thee  with  their  worst, 
Have  faith  in  God  ! 

Go  !  tell  Him  all !     The  sigh  thy  bosom  heaves 
Is  heard  in  heaven.     Strength  and  grace  He  gives, 
Who  gave  Himself  for  thee.     Our  Jesus  lives. 
Have  faith  in  God  ! 

Anna  Shipton. 


Have  Mercy. 

SOUL  of  Jesus,  make  me  holy, 
Make  me  contrite,  meek  and  lowly} 
Soul  most  saintless,  Soul  Divine, 
Cleanse  this  sordid  soul  of  mine ; 


4* 


+ 


HAVE  MERCY.  207 

Hallow  this  polluted  soul, 
Purify  it,  make  it  whole; 
Soul  of  Jesus,  hallow  me, 

Miserere  Domine. 


Save  me,  body  of  my  Lord, 

Save  a  sinner  vile,  abhorred ; 

Sacred  body,  wan  and  worn, 

Bruised  and  mangled,  scourged  and  torn, 

Pierced  hands  and  feet  and  side, 

Rent,  insulted,  crucified, 

Save  me  —  to  the  Cross  I  flee ; 

Miserere  Domine. 


Blood  of  Jesus,  Stream  of  life, 
Sacred  stream  with  blessings  rife, 
From  that  broken  body  shed 
On  the  Cross,  that  altar  dread; 
Given  to  be  our  drink  Divine, 
Fill  my  heart  and  make  it  Thine ; 
Blood  of  Christ,  my  succor  be ; 

Miserere  Domine. 


Holy  water,  stream  that  poured 
From  Thy  riven  side,  O  Lord, 
Wash  Thou  me  without,  within ; 
Cleanse  me  from  the  taint  of  sin, 
Till  my  soul  is  clean  and  white, 


>08  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Bathed  and  purified  and  bright 
As  a  ransomed  BOUl  Bhoold  be; 

Miserere  Doraine. 

Jesus,  by  the  wondrous  power 
Of  Thine  awful  passion-hoar, 
By  the  animagined  woe 

Mortal  man  may  never  know; 
By  the  curse  upon  Thee  laid, 
By  the  ransom  Thou  hast  paid, 
By  Thy  Passion  comfort  me ; 

Miserere  Domine. 

Jesus,  by  Thy  bitter  death, 
By  Thy  last  expiring  breath 
Give  me  the  eternal  life 
Purchased  by  that  mortal  strife ; 
Thou  didst  suffer  death  that  I 
Might  not  die  eternally; 
By  Thy  dying  quicken  me ; 

Miserere  Domine. 

Miserere  ;  let  me  be 
Never  parted,  Lord,  from  Thee; 
Guard  me  from  my  ruthless  foe, 
Save  me  from  eternal  woe ; 
In  the  dreadful  Judgment  day 
Be  Thy  Cross  my  hope  and  stay ; 
When  the  hour  of  death  is  near, 


*- 


*r 


SAFETY  W  JESUS.  209 

And  my  spirit  faints  for  fear,  — 
Call  me  with  Thy  voice  of  love, 
Place  me  near  to  Thee  above, 
With  Thine  angel-host  to  raise 
An  undying  song  of  praise ; 

Miserere  Domine. 


Safety  in  Jesus. 

SWEET  is  the  solace  of  Thy  love, 
My  heavenly  Friend,  to  me, 
While  through  the  hidden  way  of  faith 

I  journey  home  with  Thee, 
Learning  by  quiet  thankfulness 
As  a  dear  child  to  be. 

Though  from  the  shadow  of  thy  peace 

Mj  feet  would  often  stray, 
Thy  mercy  follows  every  step 

And  will  not  turn  away ; 
Yea,  Thou  wilt? comfort  me  at  last, 

As  none  beneath  Thee  may. 

Oft  in  a  dark  and  lonely  place, 
I  hush  my  hastened  breath, 

To  hear  the  comfortable  words 
Thy  loving  Spirit  saith; 

And  feel  my  safety  in  Thy  hand 
From  every  kind  of  death. 

14 


* 


210  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

0,  there  is  nothing  in  the  world 

To  weigh  against  Thy  will ; 
E'en  the  dark  times  I  dread  the  most 

Thy  covenant  fulfil ; 
And  when  the  glorious  morning  dawns 

I  find  Thee  with  me  still. 

No  other  comforter  I  need, 
If  Thou,  O  Lord,  be  mine ;  — 

Thy  rod  will  bring  my  spirit  low, 
Thy  fire  my  heart  refine, 

And  cause  me  pain  that  none  can  heal 
By  other  love  than  Thine. 

Then  in  the  secret  of  ray  soul, 
Though  hosts  my  peace  invade, 

Though  through  a  waste  and  weary  land 
My  lonely  way  be  made, 

Thou,  even  Thou,  wilt  comfort  me  — 
I  need  not  be  afraid. 

Still  in  the  solitary  place 

I  would  awhile  abide, 
Till  with  the  solace  of  Thy  love 

My  heart  is  satisfied, 
And  all  my  hopes  of  happiness 

Stay  calmly  at  Tby  side. 


a.  L.  w. 


*• 


w 


submission;  211 


Submission. 

OLORD,  how  happy  should  we  be 
If  we  could  cast  our  care  on  Thee, 
If  we  from  self  could  rest ; 
And  feel  at  heart  that  One  above 
In  perfect  wisdom,  perfect  love, 
Is  working  for  the  best. 

How  far  from  this  our  daily  life, 
How  oft  disturbed  by  anxious  strife, 

By  sudden  wild  alarms ; 
O,  could  we  but  relinquish  all 
Our  earthly  props,  and  simply  fall 

On  Thine  Almighty  arms  ! 

Could  we  but  kneel  and  cast  our  load, 
E'en  while  we  pray,  upon  our  God, 

Then  rise  with  lightened  cheer; 
Sure  that  the  Father,  who  is  nigh 
To  still  the  famished  raven's  cry, 

Will  hear  in  that  we  fear. 

We  cannot  trust  Him  as  we  should ; 
So  chafes  weak  Nature's  restless  mood 

To  cast  its  peace  away ; 
But  birds  and  flowerets  round  us  each, 
All,  all  the  present  evil  teach  — 

Sufficient  for  the  day. 


•* 


*- 


212  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Lord,  make  these  faithless  hearts  of  ours 
Such  lessons  learn  from  birds  and  flowers; 

Make  them  from  self  to  cea£ 
Leave  all  things  to  a  Father's  will 
And  taste,  before  Him  lying  still, 

E'en  in  affliction,  peace. 


Kneeling  at  the  Threshold. 

I'M  kneeling  at  the  threshold,  weary,  faint,  and 
sore ; 
Waiting  for  the  dawning,  for  the  opening  of  the  door; 
"Waiting  till  the  Master  shall  bid  me  rise  and  come, 
To  the  glory  of  His  presence,  to  the   gladness    of 
His  home ! 

A  weary  path  I  've  traveled,  'mid  darkness,  storm, 

and  strife : 
Bearing  many  a  burden,  struggling  for  my  life; 
But  now  the  morn  is  breaking,  my  toil  will  soon  be 

o'er, 
I  'm  kueeling  at  the  threshold,  my  hand  is  on  the 

door ! 

Methinks  I  hear  the  voices  of  the  blessed  as  they 

stand, 
Singing  in  the  sunshine,  in  the  far-off  sinless  land. 
O,  would  that  I  were  with  them,  amid  their  shining 

throng, 
Mingling  in  their  worship,  joining  in  their  song' 


ABIDE  WITH  US.  213 

The  friends  that  started  with  me  have  entered  long 

ago; 
One  by  one  they  left  me  struggling  with  the  foe ; 
Their  pilgrimage  was  shorter,  their  triumph  surer 

won, 
How  lovingly  they  '11  hail  me,  when  all  my  toil  is 
done ! 

With  them  the  blessed  angels  that  know  no  grief  or 

sin, — 

I  see  them  by  the  portals,  prepared  to  let  me  in. 

O  Lord,  I  wait  Thy  pleasure ;  Thy  time  and  way 

are  best; 

But  I  'm  wasted,  worn,  and  weary ;  0  Father,  bid 

me  rest ! 

Guthrie, 


Abide  with  Us. 

ABIDE  with  me  !  fast  falls  the  eventide ; 
The  darkness  thickens ;  Lord,  with  me  abide ; 
While  other  helpers  fail,  and  comforts  flee, 
Help  of  the  helpless,  O,  abide  with  me. 

Swift  to  its  close  ebbs  out  life's  little  day ; 
Earth's  joys  grow  dim,  its  glories  pass  away : 
Change  and  decay  in  all  around  I  see, 
O  Thou  who  changest  not,  abide  with  me. 


■* 


214  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Come  not  in  terrors  as  the  King  of  kings, 
But  kind  and  good,  with  healing  in  Thy  wings,— 
Tears  for  all  woes,  a  heart  for  every  plea, 
Come,  Friend  of  sinners,  thus  abide  with  me. 

Thou  on  my  head  in  early  youth  didst  smile, 
And,  though  rebellious  and  perverse  meanwhile, 
Thou  hast  not  left  me,  oft  as  I  left  Thee ;  — 
O,  to  the  close,  0  Lord,  abide  with  me. 

I  fear  no  foe  with  Thee  at  hand  to  bless, 
Ills  have  no  weight,  and  tears  no  bitterness ; 
Where  is  death's  sting?    Where,  grave,  thy  victory? 
I  triumph  still,  if  Thou  abide  with  me. 

Hold  Thou  Thy  cross  before  my  closing  eyes, 
Shine  through  the  gloom,  and  point  me  to  the  skies; 
Heaven's  morning  breaks,  and  earth's  vain  shadows 

flee! 
t'n  life,  in  death,  O  Lord,  abide  with  me. 


"  I  am  now  Ready  to  be  Offered.' 

RESTING  on  the  Rock  of  ages, 
Safe  above  the  billowy  tide, 
Sheltered  from  each  rushing  current, 

I  have  all  life's  storms  defied; 
Now  I  watch  the  slanting  sunbeams, 
As  they  redden  in  the  west, 


11 1  AM  NO  W  READ  Y  TO  BE  OFFERED."      215 

Life's  long  labors  calmly  leaving, 
For  the  glorious  land  of  rest. 

Ready  now  to  spread  my  pinions, 

Glad  to  wing  my  flight  away, 
From  the  gloom  that  hovers  round  me 

To  the  realms  of  endless  day. 
Ready  to  be  washed  and  pardoned, 

Ready  to  be  pure  from  sin, 
Ready  to  complete  the  conflict, 

Ready  heavenly  joy  to  win. 

Ready  to  be  freed  from  sorrow, 

Tears  and  partings,  toil  and  pain, 
Ready  for  the  heavenly  mansion,  — 

Life  is  dear,  but  death  is  gain. 
Ready  to  forsake  the  shadows 

Of  the  night,  so  dim  and  long; 
Ready  for  the  harp  of  glory, 

Ready  for  the  angels'  song. 

Ready,  with  salvation's  banner, 

To  ecstatic  joy  to  rise ; 
Ready  for  the  glad  hosanna 

In  the  heavenly  Paradise. 
Ready  with  the  just  made  perfect, 

Clothed  in  robes  of  light,  to  be 
Swelling  the  enraptured  chorus,  — 

Singing  joy  and  victory. 


■* 


216  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Ready  to  behold  the  Saviour, 
With  His  likeness  satisfied; 

Christ's  alone  and  Christ's  forever, 
Christ  my  portion.  Christ  my  guide; 

In  His  righteousness  accepted, 
Ready  at  His  feet  to  fall, 

Saved  by  grace,  a  worthless  sinner, 
Nothing  I,  —  Christ  all  in  all. 

Heavenly  messengers  are  round  me, 

Hark,  their  voices  bid  me  come,  — 
"  Earth  and  time  too  long  have  bound  thee, 

Waiting  spirit,  welcome  home." 
Glad  I  go,— my  toil  is  finished, — 

Broke  at  last  each  earthly  spell, 
Upward  now  my  soul  is  tending, 

Earth,  and  time,  and  death,  farewell. 

As  the  bird  with  warbling  music 

Soars  above  our  feeble  sight, 
Singing  still,  and  still  ascending, 

Melting  in  heaven's  glorious  light,  — 
So  the  dying  saint,  departing, 

Joyful  took  his  heavenward  way, 
Life  and  time  and  gladness  blending 

In  the  light  of  perfect  day. 

S.  F.  Smith. 


l!»— * 


THE  HE  A  VENL  Y  FA  THERLANS>.  217 


The  Departed. 

THUS  pass  they  from  our  homes  away 
To  worlds  above  the  skies ; 
Where  glows  the  fair,  celestial  day 
And  pleasure  never  dies. 

We  miss  them  where  of  late  they  trod 

Along  earth's  sunny  bowers, 
Yet  joy  to  know  they  dwell  with  God 

In  sunnier  lands  than  ours. 

Ours  is  the  pain,  the  toil,  the  strife, 

The  doubt,  and  fear,  and  grief, 
Theirs,  the  immortal,  glorious  life, 

The  endless,  sweet  relief. 

Life  speeds  apace,  —  we  '11  struggle  still, 

While  sin  and  toil  remain, 
Then  soar  to  Zion's  holy  hill, 

And  hail  the  loved  again. 

S.  F.  Smith. 


The  Heavenly  Fatherland. 

HERE  we  have  many  fears, 
This  is  the  vale  of  tears, 
The  land  of  sorrow ; 
Tears  are  there  none  at  all 
In  that  celestial  hall, 
In  life's  bright  morrow. 


218  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

O,  for  the  joya  in  store; 
But  one  short  moment  more, 

Then  life  forever; 
O,  for  the  joys  in  store, 
At  the  glad  Heavenly  door 

Of  the  Life-giver. 

What  is  the  prize?  for  whom? 
Heaven  for  the  sons  of  doom; 

Life  for  the  winner; 
Bliss  for  the  nothing-worth, 
Gold  for  the  dross  of  earth; 

God  for  the  sinner. 

Loud  sounds  the  battle-cry; 
Whence  comes  the  victory? 

Seek  you  to  guess?     Hence, 
Full-streamed,  without  alloy, 
Flows  everlasting  joy 

From  His  bright  presence. 

Hope  here  we  live  upon; 
Here  we  see  Babylon, 

Zion  invading: 
Now  grief  is  all  our  lot; 
Then  joys  which  wither  not, 

Garlands  unlading. 

O  Zion,  bright  with  gold, 
Flowing  with  milk  thy  fold, 


THE  HE  A  VENL  Y  FA  THERLAND,  219 

City  of  gladness, — 
Tongue  cannot  tell  thy  bliss, 
Heart  sinks  oppressed  with  this, 

Even  to  sadness. 

I  cannot  strain  my  sight 
To  that  intense  delight, 

Nor  tell  the  story, 
What  throbs  of  ardent  love 
Thrill  through  the  courts  above,  — 


My  ears  may  strain  to  hear, 
They  cannot  reach  the  sphere, 

For  full  before  it 
Beams  of  surpassing  light 
Fall  on  my  dazzled  sight; 

Mute  I  adore  it. 

For  Zion's  halls  along 
Echoes  the  voice  of  song; 

There  the  departed, 
Fresh  from  the  deadly  fight, 
Throng  round  the  Lord  of  Light, 

Jubilant-hearted. 

There  is  eternal  rest ; 
There  after  toil,  the  blest 
Cease  from  life's  fever; 


* 


220  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

There  in  heaven's  banquet  hall 
Sounds  the  high  festival 
Of  the  Receiver. 

There  round  the  Lord  of  might, 
Vested  in  garments  white, 

On  that  bright  morrow, 
Musters  their  vast  array  — 
Tears  ha-,  e  all  fled  away, 

Vanished  all  sorrow. 

For  Zion's  courts  within 
Death  may  not  tread,  nor  sin. 

Nor  guilt's  endeavor; 
Thus  without  fault  are  they, 
Peaceful,  without  dismay ; 

At  rest  forever. 

0  Zion  glorious, 
City  victorious, 

Towers  of  salvation, 
Thee  I  seek  and  desire; 
To  Thee  I  aye  aspire 

In  contemplation. 

Good  works  I  offer  none; 

1  have  no  pardon  won 
By  my  own  merit; 


+  4 


THE  HE  A  VENL  Y  FA  THEJILAND.  221 

First-born  of  wrath  am  I ; 
Sold  to  iniquity, 
Body  and  spirit. 

I  can  bring  nought  at  all, 
Bondsman  of  sin  and  thrall, 

Scarred  in  each  feature, 
In  life  and  soul  I  faint, 
Under  the  poison-taint 

Of  my  lost  nature. 

Yet  day  and  night  I  cry, 
Father,  Thy  help  is  nigh 

When  we  beseech  it ; 
I  see  the  prize  above, 
Stretch  forth  Thy  hand  of  love, 

Aid  us  to  reach  it. 

Thou  to  life  call'st  us  forth 
Out  of  the  dust  of  earth ; 

Thine  own  ablution, 
When  we  were  born  in  sin, 
Washed  our  souls  clean  within 

From  all  pollution. 

Thine  is  the  salve  ordained 
For  those  whom  guilt  has  stained, 
Who  by  compunction 


>:<■ 


222  ROCK  OF  AGES. 

Claim  what  no  soul  can  claim, 
Unpurged  by  grief  and  shame,  — 
The  heavenly  unction. 

From  David's  fount  apace 
Flows  the  pure  stream  of  grace. 

Ever  descending; 
Through  it  sin's  leprosy 
Soon  fades  and  dies  away, 

And  has  its  ending. 

0  Grace  of  God,  on  high 

1  see  beyond  the  sky, 
The  clouds  are  riven,  — 

As  through  a  glass  I  see, 
Dimly  and  mistily, 
The  gates  of  heaven. 

0  Zion,  bright  with  gold, 
Dear  home  of  joys  untold, 

In  God's  light  burning; 

1  stretch  my  arms  —  my  soul ; 
Shall  I  e'er  reach  the  goal 

Of  all  my  yearning? 

0  blessed  fatherland  1 

1  see  the  happy  band, 

The  mists  grow  lighter,  — 


* 


THE  HE  A  VENL  T  FA  THE  EL  A  ND.  223 

I  see  the  light  of  day- 
Round  their  fair  garlands  play, 
Brighter  and  brighter. 

0  blessed  fatherland, 
Say,  shall  I  ever  stand 

Where  I  can  share  thee  ? 
Say  but —  "  The  time  shall  come 
When  to  this  happy  home, 

Angels  shall  bear  thee." 

Is  it  a  trance,  a  dream  ? 

O,  do  these  things  but  seem? 

Is  it  a  vision? 
Let  me  but  grasp  it  fair ! 
No  :  't  will  not  melt  in  air, 

In  vain  derision. 

O  my  dust,  triumph  thou  I 
God  is  my  portion  now  — 

Thine  now  and  ever ! 
O  my  dust,  triumph  thou ! 
God  is  my  portion  now  — 

Thine  now  and  ever ! 


224  ROCK  OF  AGES. 


Heaven. 


NO  ill  can  mar  the  saint's  repose, 
Calmly  he  meets  the  final  shock; 
Hope  is  the  anchor  of  his  soul, 

He  leans  on  Christ,  the  eternal  Rock. 

Death,  like  the  grate  to  endless  life, 
Unfolding,  shows  the  fetters  riven ; 

Earth  claims  the  captive  soul  no  more, 
Ou  its  bright  path  it  speeds  to  heaven. 

No  grief  to  bathe  the  cheek  with  tears, 
No  whelming  woe  to  dim  the  eye, 

No  fierce  disease,  no  anxious  fears, 
No  hopes  that  brighten  but  to  die. 

No  setting  sun,  no  clouded  day. 
No  stormy  hours  of  deadly  pain, 

No  doubts  to  drive  our  joys  away, 
And  plunge  the  soul  in  fear  again. 

No  sin,  no  dark  temptation's  power, 
No  withering  shadows  of  the  tomb, 

No  quivering  lip,  no  parting  hour, 
Heaven  brings  us  an  immortal  home. 

As  sinks  the  glowing  orb  of  day. 
Behind  the  hills  iu  light  sublime, 


* 


THE  ROCK  OF  AGES.  225 

But  kindles  with  the  setting  ray, 
The  morning  of  some  distant  clime, 

So  soars  the  saint  from  earth's  low  vale, 
Where  once  with  painful  steps  he  trod, 

The  crown  of  life  eternal  wins, 
And  reigns,  a  priest  and  king,  with  God. 

8.  F.  Smith. 


The  Rock  of  Ages. 

NO  sorrow,  like  a  sweeping  storm, 
Around  the  soul  fierce  conflict  wages, 
But  Christ  has  power  its  force  to  quell,  — 
No  storm  can  move  the  Rock  of  Ages. 

O  yearning  thirst  of  human  hearts,  — 
Thirst  which  no  earthly  good  assuages, 

Seek  water  from  the  smitten  rock, 
That  rock  is  Christ,  —  the  Rock  of  Ages. 

O  hearts  and  hands  consumed  by  toil, 
Confined  to  earth,  as  birds  in  cages ; 

Rest  for  the  weary,  endless  rest, 
Lies  in  thy  shelter,  Rock  of  Ages. 

Search  all  the  wisdom  earth  can  boast, 
Bring  all  the  light  from  saints  and  sages, 

Vain  is  the  quest  for  peace  and  rest, 
Till  sought  within  the  Rock  of  Ages. 

15 


-* 


>.+ 


226  ROCKOFAQES. 

What  thought,  what  hope,  what  love,  what  joy 
The  heart,  the  curious  heart,  engages; 

Joy,  love  and  hope  surpassing  thought, 
All  centre  in  the  Rock  of  Ages. 

There  is  a  land  serene  and  fair. 

Where  falls  no  blight,  no  passion  rages, 

Sheltered  and  safe  from  grief  and  sin, 
O'ershadowed  by  the  Rock  of  Ages. 

Grateful  our  heavenward  path  we  tread, 

Mount  by  successive  steps  and  stages, 

And  wait  secure  the  day  of  God, 

Hid  in  thy  clefts,  O  Rock  of  Ages. 

g   F.  Smith. 


*■ 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


PAGE. 

Abide  with  Me  —  fast  falls  the  eventide 213 

A  gentle  angel  walketh 73 

Ah,  pilot, 'tis  a  fearful  night 65 

All  things  that  have  been,  all  that  are      -        -        -        .  194 

A  man  once  built  a  lighthouse 6S 

Amid  the  shadows  and  the  fears 131 

And  whither  came  these  goodly  stones    -----  71 

Are  there  not  hours  when  faith  is  weak  -----  198 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day 103 

Be  not  afraid, 'tis  I 180 

Be  thou  content,  be  still  before 121 

Breast  the  wave,  Christian 77 

Cling  to  the  Crucified 164 

Cling  to  the  Mighty  One 170 

Closer  to  Thee 146 

Come  and  rejoice  with  me         .......  192 

Come  bowed  with  grief  and  sick  of  sin 137 

Come,  drink  ye,  drink  ye  all  of  it 152 

Come,  O  thou  Traveller  unknown 20 

Come  to  the  morning  prayer 62 

Dark  is  the  watery  way 95 

Eternal  Rock,  to  Thee  I  fly 92 

Faith  is  the  dawning  of  the  day 141 

Father,  before  Thy  footstool  kneeling 82 

Fierce  were  the  wild  billows 79 

Fighting  the  battle  of  life 74 

Fleeing,  O  Rock  of  ages 17 


*- 


228 


IXDEX  OF  FIRST  LIVES. 


PACK 

Fret  not,  poor  soul,  while  doubt  and  fear        ....  199 

God  is  the  refuge  of  His  saints 9 

Go,  worship  at  Immanuel's  feet        -                                 -  104 
Rave  faith  in  God,  for  He  who  reigns  on  high 

Have  faith  in  Iliin  who  rules  the  deep 54 

He  bids  us  come,  His  voice  we  know 

He  leads  us  on MM 

Here,  O  my  Lord,  I  see  Thee  face  to  face       -       -       -       -  15] 

Here  we  have  many  fears 217 

He  6itteth  o'er  the  water-floods Ill 

lie  who  on  earth  as  man  was  known 173 

Hope,  Christian  soul,  in  every  stage 42 

How  firm  the  saint's  foundation  stands    .....  172 

How  purely  true,  how  deeply  warm 112 

How  weary  and  how  worthless  this  life  at  times  appears  17-4 

I  cannot  always  trace  the  way 55 

I  cannot  see,  with  my  short  human  sight         ....  194 

I  do  not  ask,  O  Lord,  that  life  may  be 126 

I  do  not  doubt  my  safety  that  Thy  hand          ....  120 

If  God  is  mine,  then  present  things 108 

I  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say 180 

I  know  not  if  the  dark  or  bright 115 

I  lay  my  sins  on  Jesus 156 

I  love,  and  have  some  cause  to  love  the  earth  44 

I'm  kneeling  at  the  threshold,  weary,  faint  and  sore    •        -  212 

In  the  dim  recess  of  thy  spirit's  chamber        ....  109 

In  weakness  at  Thy  feet  I  lie 136 

I  rest  with  Thee,  Lord;  whither  should  I  go?       -        -        -Ml 

I  saw  the  cross  of  Jesus 163 

Is  there  no  balm  in  Gilead         .......  1S1 

I  thirst,  the  blessed  Saviour  said 148 

I  worship  thee,  sweet  will  of  God 131 

Jehovah  is  our  strength 

Jehovah  reigns;  He  dwells  in  light 171 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


229 


Jesus,  my  Saviour,  look  on  me 

Jesus  pro  me  perforatus     - 

Just  as  I  am,  without  one  plea  - 

Just  as  thou  art,  without  one  trace  ■ 

Lamp  of  our  feet,  wherehy  we  trace 

Lead  me  to  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I 

Lead,  Saviour,  lead  amid  the  encircling  gloom 

Leaning  on  Thee,  my  guide  and  friend 

Leave  God  to  order  all  thy  ways 

Like  a  blind  spinner  in  the  sun 

Long  did  I  toil,  and  knew  no  earthly  rest 

Lord,  I  hear  of  showers  of  blessing 

Lord,  it  belongs  not  to  my  care 

Lord  Jesus,  as  thou  wilt    - 

Lord,  to  Thine  altar  we  draw  near 

Lord,  unto  thee  we  cry 

My  God,  is  any  hour  so  sweet  - 

My  God,  my  Father,  while  I  stray 

My  God  protects,  my  fears  be  gone 

My  hand  in  Christ's,  He  leadeth  where 

My  hope  is  built  on  nothing  less 

My  prayer  to  the  promise  shall  cling 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee  • 

No  ill  can  mar  the  saints'  repose 

No  sorrow,  like  a  sweeping  storm 

Not  yet,  not  yet  the  Sabbath  rest 

O  holy  Saviour,  friend  unseen 

O  't  was  lang,  lang  syne,  mother 

O  Lord,  how  happy  should  we  be 

O  Lord  my  God,  the  way  is  rough 

O  love  Divine,  that  stooped  to  share 

O  not  my  own  these  verdant  hills 

O  not  to  fill  the  mouth  of  fame 

O  Rock  of  ages,  since  on  Thee 


PAGE. 

185 

6 

137 

139 

38 

94 

188 

861 

118 

116 

33 

140 

191 

127 

357 

10<< 

64 

31 

19 

176 

190 

17 

145 

224 

225 

202 

101 

46 

211 

51 

161 

106 

105 

165 


+F 


* 


230 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


O  Rock  of  ages,  when  the  storm 
O  Ruler  of  the  storm,  whose  might 
0  strong  to  save  and  bless        - 

O  Thou,  the  contrite  sinner's  friend 

O  Thou,  who  nearest  prayer     .... 

Poor,  trembling  lamb,  ah,  who  outside  the  fold 

Prayer  may  be  sweet  In  cottage  home*    - 

Presa  forward  and  fear  not,  the  billows  may  roll 

Resting  on  the  Rock  of  ages      .... 

Rocked  in  the  cradle  of  the  deep 

Rock  of  ages,  cleft  for  me  .... 

Saviour,  I  come  to  Thee     -        -        -        .        - 

Since  I  have  learned  Thou  art  - 

Since  thy  Father's  arm  sustains  Thee 

Sometimes  I  catch  sweet  glimpses  of  His  face 

Soul  of  Jesus,  make  me  holy    - 

Soul  of  Jesus,  once  for  me 

Sweet  is  the  solace  of  Thy  love 

Sweet  thought,  my  God,  that  on  the  palms 

The  blessed  cross  now  shines  to  us  - 

The  child  leans  on  the  parent's  breast     - 

The  night  Is  damp  ;  behold  the  shade  •   - 

The  pathways  of  Thy  land  are  little  changed 

There  is  a  book  who  runs  may  read 

There  is  an  everlasting  home     ... 

There  is  an  eye  that  never  sleeps 

There  is  a  safe  and  secret  place 

There  was  hope  in  the  ark  at  the  dawn  of  the 

The  shadow  of  the  rock     - 

The  twilight  falls,  the  night  is  near  - 

The  way  seems  long,  dear  Leader,  and  my  feet 

The  winds  blow  fierce  across  the  barren  wild 

Thine  forever,  God  of  love 

This  life  is  like  a  flying  dream  - 


day 


100 
» 
81 

67 

•214 

"A 
5 

177 

- 
209 
197 

159 
-7 

147 
13 
36 
88 
35 
M 
S. 
10 
63 

77 
56 
80 


*■ 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES.  231 

PAGE. 

Thou  art  my  hiding-place,  0  Lord 168 

Thou  art  the  way 188 

Thou  art  the  way,  and  he  who  sighs        .....  179 

Thou,  Lord,  my  path  shalt  choose 129 

Thus  far  the  Lord  has  led  us 109 

Thus  pass  they  from  our  homes  away 217 

Tossed  with  rough  winds,  and  faint  with  fear    -    -        -        -  85 

Tossing  in  dreamy  sleep 66 

Under  the  shadow  of  Thy  wing  abiding           ...  23 

Wait,  my  soul,  upon  the  Lord 200 

We  cannot  always  trace  the  way 133 

We  may  not  climb  the  heavenly  steeps   -  96 

We  praise  Thee  oft  for  hours  of  bliss  29 

We  would  see  Jesus,  for  the  shadows  lengthen      ...  197 

Whate'er  my  Q-od  ordains  is  right    ----.-  124 

What  wouldst  thou  have,  O  soul 225 

When  adverse  winds  and  waves  arise      -        ....  39 

When  along  life's  thorny  road 28 

When  gathering  clouds  around  I  view 24 

When  my  sins  in  aspect  dread          ......  57 

When  spring  unlocks  the  flowers  to  paint  the  laughing  soil  49 

When  the  nations  toss  and  roar        ......  84 

When  thickly  beat  the  storms  of  life 19 

When  waves  of  sorrow  round  me  swell          ...»  26 

When  winds  are  raging  o'er  the  upper  ocean  23 

When  wounded  sore  the  stricken  soul  43 

With  tearful  eyes  I  look  around 86 

Would  my  soul  could  fly  for  refuge         ....        -  15 


* 


By*?? 

m 


